Hyderabad: Telangana BC Commission chairman G Niranjan has written to Telangana Census director Bharati Hollikeri expressing concern over the absence of a Backward Classes column in the first phase of the census currently underway in the state.
Niranjan also urged the Census director to issue a detailed clarification at the earliest so that doubts among BC communities can be addressed.
Concerns Raised Over Missing BC Column
In his letter, Niranjan said the first phase of the census, which began on April 26, has disappointed BC communities across Telangana because no provision has been made to record their population details. He pointed out that the cabinet sub-committee on political affairs of the central government, at its meeting on April 30, 2025, had already decided that caste-wise data of BCs would be collected in the 2027 Census.
Against this background, he said the omission of BC enumeration in the ongoing phase has created confusion and concern among the communities expecting proper recognition in the census process.
Need for Clarity
The BC Commission chairman emphasized that the absence of a dedicated column for Backward Classes in the current census form has led to widespread apprehension. Many community leaders and members fear that their demographic data may not be accurately captured, potentially affecting policy-making and resource allocation.
Niranjan requested the Census director to provide an official explanation for the omission and to ensure that necessary measures are taken to include the BC column in subsequent phases or through a supplementary process. He stressed that timely clarification is essential to dispel rumors and maintain trust among the BC communities.
The letter also highlighted that the central government's decision to collect caste-wise data in the 2027 Census underscores the importance of accurate enumeration for backward classes. The current omission, therefore, appears inconsistent with that commitment, Niranjan noted.
As the census progresses, the BC Commission will continue to monitor the situation and engage with authorities to ensure that the interests of Backward Classes are adequately represented.
