BEST PATH FORWARD: A ‘HYBRID MODEL’ COMBINING SKS AND TCS : By Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

 BEST PATH FORWARD: A ‘HYBRID MODEL’ 

COMBINING SKS AND TCS

By Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

The Hans India (09-02-2025) 

{Deceptively, the increase in BC population percentage from Samagra Kutumba Survey (SKS) to Telangana Caste Survey (TCS) is primarily due to the inclusion of Muslim BCs in the latter survey. Focus should now be on refining the data interpretation process to align with constitutional provisions, social realities, and legal boundaries, ensuring that reservations and welfare measures truly reflect the broader needs of BCs, SC and STs. An ideal, pragmatic, and inclusive approach, based on well-structured ‘Hybrid Model’ that provides SKS and TCS granularity, combining the principle of ‘Greatest Amount of Good for the Greatest Number of People’ eliminating fears of bias or political manipulation, is the best alternative}-Editor's Synoptic Note

Telangana Caste Survey (TCS) has sparked an intense debate, in view of the discrepancies in percentage figures of Backward Classes (BC) Population and inclusion of Muslim BCs within the broader BC category. 

Methodological Differences and data consequently arrived at by TCS, compared to that of Samagra Kutumba Survey (SKS) done decade ago triggered apprehensions. SKS and TCS together, with ‘Macro-Level and Micro Level Understanding of Household Demographics and Complex Socio-Economic Realities’ respectively, may Supplement and Complement each other. Careful Reading Between the Lines, is essential to grasp their ‘Abstract Implication’ for inclusive policy planning. 

Both surveys maybe invaluable in their own way, if interpreted holistically. SKS ensured 100% door-to-door enumeration. TCS with only 96.9% coverage, presented caste-wise breakdown. A concerted effort lacked in interpreting the ‘Alleged Data Variations’ between SKS and TCS. If ‘Studied Deeply and Objectively’ then comprehension is easier to avoid ‘Unnecessary Anxiety.’  

SKS the first of its kind, covering over 90 lakh families with a ‘Stated Objective’ to collect ‘Comprehensive Socio-Economic Data’ of all households, to avail ‘Targeted Welfare Schemes’ was conducted on August 19, 2014 across Telangana in single day. The entire data entry took just 14 days. ‘Manual and Technology’ combination that was used for this, was a role model for other such citizen centric applications including the TCS. 

The ‘First-Ever Caste Census in Telangana’ TCS, covering over 112 lakh families with a ‘Stated Objective’ to gather ‘Caste-Wise Demographic Data’ of the entire population in Telangana, to provide enhanced reservation facility and social justice measures was conducted for over 50 days through door-to-door visits by enumerators. It covered caste, sub-caste, socio-economic status, and geographical distribution. TCS’ Manually recorded Data was later Uploaded Digitally.  

Comparing the similar and dissimilar aspects of SKS and TCS broadly, the former one, ‘Lacking Transparency Negative Factor Apart’ had a broader scope, while the latter one ‘Political Abuse Negative Factor Apart’ is considerably more focused. Both surveys within their limited and also maybe little bit of biased intent, impact the ‘Governance and Electoral Strategies’ influencing long-term policy decisions in Telangana. 

SKS data based on 100% coverage, reported that BCs constituted approximately 51% of Telangana Population. TCS data based on 96.9% coverage only, reported that BCs constituted 56.33% (Higher than SKS) ‘With the Rider’ that Hindu BCs constitute 46.25% and Muslim BCs 10.08%!!  

Scheduled Castes in SKS are 18% and in TCS 17.43%; Scheduled Tribes in SKS 10% and in TCS 10.45%. OCs in SKS are 21%, whereas in TCS it is 15.79%. These figures especially that of SC and ST clearly show that, they are closely same. If OCs percentage could be equated in both SKS and TCS by deducting the excess percentage in SKS to add to BC percentage, the difference in BC percentage figures between SKS and TCS maybe negligible. What is to be pondered is, whether SKS BC percentage of 51% is with or without Muslim BCs and If it is so, what is the division, and ‘If No’ what is the Muslim BC percentage and in which category it was merged. How best to comprehend. 

Deceptively, the increase in BC population percentage from SKS to TCS is primarily due to the inclusion of Muslim BCs in the latter survey. SKS did not explicitly categorize Muslim BCs within the BC population, perhaps leading to lower percentage. TCS provides more comprehensive representation by accounting for both Hindu and Muslim BCs, resulting in the increase in BC percentage. Once this dispute or discrepancy is addressed and clarified in proper perspective, and even after that, if there is an increase in BC population percentage, it certainly strengthens the case for revisiting reservation policies. Otherwise, it must be construed that, both SKS and TCS supporters are defending their case without valid reason.

Telangana Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on February 4, 2025, urging the Centre to emulate the household caste and socioeconomic survey. CM Revanth Reddy hinted at provision of 42% reservations to BCs. However, changes in reservations’ enhancement, would need to navigate the legal framework of 50% Cap decided by Supreme Court's. And hence, CM said that, Congress would provide 42% quota for them in the local body elections to serve as a ‘Model.’ This shall be the ‘CONVENTION’ as a widely accepted practice even above the formally enacted law. 

In retrospect, on April 16, 2017 when ‘Telangana BCs, SCs, and STs Reservation Bill’ was passed in Assembly it was ‘Even More Historic’ especially when Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao ‘Unequivocally Asserted the Rights of the State’ in the context of reservations. Referring to SKS, KCR made it amply clear that, the data is ‘Quantifiable and Impeccable’ as per the Apex Court Judgement for enhancing reservation percentage beyond 50% Cap. KCR initiated process to enhance quota of BCs overall. KCR proposed enhancement for Muslims BC-E category from 4% to 12%, STs from 6% to 10% and SCs from 15% to 16%.

In their own way, both KCR and Revanth Reddy with equivalent strategies, strained to tactfully enlist support of BCs. While Revanth Reddy emphasized the ‘Historical Significance of TCS’ urging political parties to put aside differences in favor of benefits to BCs and marginalized communities, KCR had even more emphatically expressed confidence of overcoming legal hurdles to implement the enhanced quotas which touched 62%, including that of BCs. 

Intentions of KCR and Revanth Reddy maybe identical, though Paths subtly vary. John Quincy Adams, 6th President of USA said that, ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a Leader.’ In other words, a Leader's job is to get others to go along with him in the promotion of something. ‘Surveys and Data Apart’ who inspired whom -- at least ‘Heart of Hears’ -- is important.   

 Apprehensions of BC leaders and intellectuals stem from concerns of TCS data impacting reservation policies, the reason being, inclusion of Muslim BCs in BC Category.

They fear that this dilutes Hindu BCs' share in reservation benefits. Some dominant BC communities fear they might lose out if the government reallocates reservations among BC sub-groups. Nonetheless, SKS and TCS mainly differ on perceived conceptions, particularly in making a ‘Clear Distinction Between Hindu and Muslim BC Populations.’ Debates highlights the limitations of relying solely on either caste-based or religion-based survey data when policy decisions require a nuanced understanding of both.

Instead of fueling further division, the focus should now be on refining the data interpretation process to align with constitutional provisions, social realities, and legal boundaries, ensuring that reservations and welfare measures truly reflect the broader needs of BCs, SC and STs. An ideal, pragmatic, and inclusive approach based on well-structured ‘Hybrid Model’ that provides SKS and TCS granularity, combining the principle of ‘Greatest Amount of Good for the Greatest Number of People’ eliminating fears of bias or political manipulation, is the best alternative. 

For the TCS to achieve its intended purpose, it is indispensable to address well-founded and Meaningful apprehensions of individuals from genuine and representative sections of society. Beyond political debates, by Congress, BRS and BJP, this must be ‘Recognized as Purely Socio-Economic Initiative’ aimed at ‘Empowering BCs and Marginalized Communities’ through ‘Welfare Measures and Equitable Representation.’ 

Hence, it requires a Government Initiative for a collective effort by intellectuals, frontline BC leaders, transcending party lines and rising above narrow political interests, to ensure a balanced and effective consensus approach. The ‘Pope Election Model’ of consensus-building offers the ‘Best Path Forward’ fostering inclusivity and alignment in shaping ‘The Hybrid Model’ that integrates diverse perspectives. As discussions progress, probably in the near future, let us look forward to the ‘White Smoke Moment,’ on finalizing ‘The Hybrid Model.’ Nevertheless, BCs, SCs, and STs ‘Come What May’ must get their Right share irrespective of Samagra Kutumba Survey or Telangana Caste Survey.

(The Writer is former Chief Public Relations Officer to former Chief Minister of Telangana)