Ponnam Prabhakar Demands OBC Enumeration in Nationwide Census

Telangana Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has demanded that the Centre include a separate OBC column in the upcoming nationwide Census, saying reliable caste data is essential to ensure social justice and formulate policies based on the actual population and socio-economic status of backward communities.

Prabhakar accused the BJP-led Central government of ignoring the long-standing demand for a comprehensive BC caste census. He questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who identifies himself as belonging to the OBC community, over the initiatives undertaken for BC welfare during the past 12 years. He alleged that the BJP was using backward communities for electoral gains while failing to address their demand for accurate demographic data.

The minister said the earlier 32-question household survey form contained provisions to collect SC and ST details but did not include an OBC category. He recalled submitting a representation to Prime Minister Modi during his Hyderabad visit, after which the Centre had indicated that category-wise information would be collected in a later phase.

However, Prabhakar said the 40-question form released on August 15 also failed to mention OBCs. He described the omission as highly objectionable and accused the Centre of going back on its earlier assurances regarding caste enumeration.

He also referred to an alleged Supreme Court affidavit in which the Centre had stated that caste enumeration would be completed by November 1, 2025.

Prabhakar argued that authentic caste figures are necessary to assess the social, economic and political backwardness of communities and to reconsider the existing 50% reservation ceiling. He said population data would provide an evidence-based foundation for taking the issue before the courts.

Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's slogan, “Jitni abaadi, utna haqdaari,” he said every community's population must first be established to determine its rightful share in representation and opportunities.

The minister said the Telangana government under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had already completed a scientific BC caste survey and submitted its findings before the court.

Addressing Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Prabhakar questioned whether the BJP genuinely wanted BC votes and why it was silent on the issue. He stressed that the demand was not about taking away anyone's rights but about establishing accurate population figures.

Prabhakar urged the Centre to immediately add an OBC column to the Census questionnaire and demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of backward communities.