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Politics
Congress Highlights OBC Omission in Census, Calls for Telangana‑Style Caste Survey
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 18 Aug 2026, 03:03 AM
👁 6
The Indian National Congress has pointed out that the OBC category is missing from the upcoming census questionnaire and has urged the government to conduct a caste census similar to the one carried out in Telangana.
The Congress party has formally raised the issue that the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner’s questionnaire for the 2024 census omits the OBC category. Party leaders argue that the absence could affect reservation calculations and resource allocation for historically disadvantaged communities.
In a statement, Congress officials demanded that the government conduct a comprehensive caste census akin to the one implemented in Telangana State, which provides detailed data on caste demographics. They claim that such data is essential for equitable policy planning.
The party’s call comes amid growing concerns that the national census may not capture the socio‑economic realities of many communities. Congress has urged the Election Commission to ensure that caste categories are accurately represented in the forthcoming census.
The government has yet to respond to the party’s demands. Analysts suggest that the issue could influence upcoming electoral strategies, as accurate caste data is crucial for political campaigning.
Congress’s stance reflects a broader debate over how caste information is collected and used in India’s policy framework.
In a statement, Congress officials demanded that the government conduct a comprehensive caste census akin to the one implemented in Telangana State, which provides detailed data on caste demographics. They claim that such data is essential for equitable policy planning.
The party’s call comes amid growing concerns that the national census may not capture the socio‑economic realities of many communities. Congress has urged the Election Commission to ensure that caste categories are accurately represented in the forthcoming census.
The government has yet to respond to the party’s demands. Analysts suggest that the issue could influence upcoming electoral strategies, as accurate caste data is crucial for political campaigning.
Congress’s stance reflects a broader debate over how caste information is collected and used in India’s policy framework.