Caste Census Vital for Social Justice, Says Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Saturday asserted that a caste census is essential to ensure social justice , warning that ignoring it could harm weaker sections across the country. He also accused the Centre of unfair tax distribution towards southern states.

Speaking at the 200th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule held at Ravindra Bharathi, the Deputy CM made strong remarks on social justice, fund allocation, and constituency delimitation.

He cautioned that if delimitation is carried out solely on the basis of the 2011 Census , without considering caste data, it could endanger the political and economic standing of southern states. He alleged that the Centre is discriminating against these states and presented data to support his claims.

According to him, for every ₹1 contributed by Telangana , the state receives only ₹0.37 in return, while Tamil Nadu gets ₹0.29 and Kerala ₹0.61 . In contrast, Bihar receives ₹6.53 and Uttar Pradesh ₹2.17. He noted that these issues were discussed at the Congress Working Committee meeting.

Vikramarka stressed that caste enumeration must be factored into policy decisions to prevent injustice to marginalized communities and called on people to fight for their rights. He also alleged attempts to revive feudal forces in the state and urged Bahujans to unite to protect democratic governance.

He stated that the state government is allocating substantial funds based on public needs and is positively considering the implementation of a BC Sub-Plan , similar to SC and ST Sub-Plans. He emphasised that equitable resource distribution based on population is crucial for building an inclusive society.

Describing caste as a social reality in India , he said Telangana conducted a caste survey following a promise by Rahul Gandhi , which identified 56% of the population as Backward Classes (BCs) . He claimed that Telangana is the only state to have conducted such a survey since the British era.

He further noted that the State Assembly has passed a resolution seeking 42% reservation for BCs in local bodies, education, and employment. However, the Bill is currently pending with the Centre, and will be implemented once approved.

Praising the government led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy , he said the administration is committed to social justice and the ideals of Phule , who fought against caste and gender discrimination .

Highlighting the importance of education, he said it is a key instrument for building an equal society , and recalled Phule’s efforts in promoting women’s education. In the same spirit, the government is establishing Young India Integrated Residential Schools.

He announced that diet charges have been increased by 40% and cosmetic charges by 200% for student welfare. A breakfast scheme for 20 lakh people will be launched from June 2, and Telangana Public Schools will be set up in every constituency with an allocation of ₹15 crore each.

He added that allocating 13.5% of the budget to education reflects the government’s commitment to equality. Initiatives such as construction of Swabhiman Bhavans and free electricity for occupational caste groups further underline the state’s focus on achieving social justice.