Hyderabad: Rahul Gandhi on Monday described caste discrimination in India as “unique” and possibly among the worst in the world. He emphasized that the Congress party is determined to dismantle the “artificial barrier” created by the 50% reservation cap. Gandhi, who is currently in Telangana, the second Congress-ruled state after Karnataka to initiate a caste census, highlighted the significance of the caste survey set to run from November 6 through the end of the month.

During a meeting organized by Telangana Congress, where he was joined by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Gandhi engaged with social groups, caste associations, state leaders, and other key stakeholders.

The Congress party is committed to conducting a caste survey combined with economic mapping to identify India’s impoverished populations and their share of the total population. Gandhi explained that this effort will help eliminate the 50% reservation cap.

Earlier this year, Gandhi posted on X, describing the survey as an “X-ray” of the country that would ensure a fair distribution of reservations, rights, and resources. He noted that the previous backward castes panel, established by a 1993 law, focused solely on data related to education and employment quotas. This year’s Telangana census, however, will provide a detailed socioeconomic profile of all castes.

The survey will involve 48,000 teachers, with primary schools operating half-day shifts throughout November. Enumerators, totaling 85,000, will visit households to collect data on social, educational, employment, economic, and political status, marking survey locations with stickers.