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Politics
Congress Criticises Centre Over Caste Census Format, Points to Telangana Model
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 14 Aug 2026, 08:04 PM
👁 20
The Congress party has raised serious concerns about the central government's proposed caste census format, arguing that it lacks transparency and may be biased. The party cited the Telangana state model as an example of a more inclusive approach.
The Congress party has publicly questioned the intent behind the central government's new caste census format, claiming that it could lead to inaccuracies and political manipulation. Party leaders argue that the draft lacks clear guidelines for data collection and verification, raising doubts about its reliability.
In its critique, Congress highlighted that the format does not adequately address the complexities of caste identities across different regions, potentially skewing representation in policy decisions. The party also warned that the absence of a transparent methodology could undermine public trust in the census.
To illustrate a better alternative, Congress pointed to the Telangana state model, where a more inclusive and community‑driven approach has been adopted for caste data collection. The Telangana model is praised for its participatory mechanisms and emphasis on data accuracy.
While the Centre has yet to respond formally to these allegations, the Congress's stance has intensified debate over how caste data should be gathered and utilized for affirmative action and governance.
In its critique, Congress highlighted that the format does not adequately address the complexities of caste identities across different regions, potentially skewing representation in policy decisions. The party also warned that the absence of a transparent methodology could undermine public trust in the census.
To illustrate a better alternative, Congress pointed to the Telangana state model, where a more inclusive and community‑driven approach has been adopted for caste data collection. The Telangana model is praised for its participatory mechanisms and emphasis on data accuracy.
While the Centre has yet to respond formally to these allegations, the Congress's stance has intensified debate over how caste data should be gathered and utilized for affirmative action and governance.