Caste Survey Legally Sound, Can Breach 50% Reservation Cap: Uttam Kumar Reddy

New Delhi, July 24, 2025 (Maxim News): Telangana caste survey is robust enough to withstand judicial scrutiny and paves the way for breaching the 50% reservation cap, said Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Minister for Irrigation, Food, and Civil Supplies. Speaking at a gathering in New Delhi ahead of a formal presentation on the “Telangana Socio-Economic Survey – Model and Methodology”, Reddy reiterated the Congress government’s commitment to social justice backed by solid legal and empirical data.

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The event, held at Indira Bhawan, was attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and other senior Congress leaders.

Caste Survey Designed to Be Legally Sustainable

Reddy emphasized that the socio-economic caste census, launched in February 2024, fulfilled a key election promise made by the Congress. “The exercise was not limited to OBCs but covered all castes and sub-castes, examining their economic, educational, and political status,” he said.

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He explained that 94,000 government employees, including teachers and Anganwadi workers, acted as enumerators across Telangana, each surveying ten households under strict supervision. “This structured and scientific process ensured comprehensive data collection over 50 days,” he added.

Aiming to Legally Exceed 50% Quota Cap

Reddy argued that the Supreme Court’s 50% reservation cap, set in the landmark Indira Sawhney judgment, was based on the absence of concrete data on OBCs. “Now that we have a thorough, data-driven survey, we are in a strong position to legally challenge and exceed that limit,” he asserted.

Legislative Backing and Presidential Delay

The minister revealed that after reviewing the survey findings, the state cabinet passed two bills — one for political reservations and the other for education and employment quotas. While Telangana Governor approved both, they have been awaiting the President’s assent for over four months.

He added that the methodology and findings were endorsed by an independent expert committee led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Sudarshan Reddy, and included renowned academics and social scientists from India and abroad. “This has been a meticulous, inclusive, and legally sound process at every step,” Reddy noted.

Push for OBC Quota Expansion and Inclusive Development

Highlighting the case of local body elections, Reddy pointed out that while SC and ST reservations reflect their population share, OBCs have remained capped at 27%. “Based on our findings, we’ve now recommended 42% OBC reservations. We are confident the courts will uphold this move,” he said.

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Looking ahead, the minister laid out a two-pronged approach: increasing OBC reservations and launching targeted development programs in underprivileged caste and geographic segments.

Congress Government’s Commitment to Social Justice

“Our government is not only committed to social justice in spirit but has also acted through scientific, legal, and administrative channels,” Reddy said. “We have produced a document that upholds constitutional values and is ready to face any legal scrutiny.”

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