Hyderabad: BC welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar and TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict that dismissed petitions opposing caste enumeration in the census, and termed it as a major victory for social justice. They also demanded that at least now the Centre should clear the 42 percent BC reservation bills sent by the Telangana government and pending with the President of India.
Importance of Accurate Caste Data
Ponnam emphasised that accurate caste data is essential for transparently implementing reservations and welfare schemes. He urged the central government to incorporate a comprehensive caste census to ensure marginalised communities get their fair share of representation and resources. According to him, the Supreme Court's decision paves the way for evidence-based policy-making that can address historical injustices.
Congress's Consistent Demand
Mahesh Kumar Goud said the Congress has been consistently demanding a nation-wide caste census as a crucial step towards addressing deep-rooted social and economic inequalities in the country. “A scientific and transparent caste census will ensure justice and equitable opportunities for backward communities in proportion to their population in the country,” he stated. He further noted that the verdict strengthens the constitutional commitment to equality and social justice.
Call for Clearance of Pending Bills
Both leaders urged the Centre to immediately clear the 42 percent BC reservation bills forwarded by the Telangana government, which have been pending with the President of India for an extended period. They argued that the Supreme Court's endorsement of caste enumeration should remove any hurdles in approving these bills, which aim to enhance reservation for backward classes in education and employment.
Broader Implications
The Supreme Court verdict is seen as a landmark decision that could influence similar demands from other states. Political analysts believe that the ruling may accelerate the push for a nationwide caste census, which has been a contentious issue in Indian politics. The Congress party has made the caste census a key plank in its campaign for social justice, and the verdict provides a legal backing to its stance.
In conclusion, the leaders expressed optimism that the Centre will now act on the pending bills and conduct a comprehensive caste census, ensuring that backward communities receive their due share of benefits and representation in the country's development process.
