2024 Andhra Pradesh Comprehensive Caste Survey
| Date | Planned for December 2023 |
|---|---|
| Location | Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Type | Statewide demographic survey |
| Cause | Policy formulation for marginalized communities |
| Organised by | Government of Andhra Pradesh |
| Outcome | Results not publicly released (as of May 2025) |
The 2024 Andhra Pradesh Comprehensive Caste Survey was a proposed statewide demographic survey initiated by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to collect detailed data on caste, socio-economic status, education, and livelihoods. Approved in November 2023, the survey aimed to inform equitable policy-making and welfare schemes for marginalized communities.[1][2] As of May 2025, no official results have been released, raising questions about the survey's completion or public disclosure.[3]
Background
[edit]Caste-based surveys have gained prominence in India as tools for addressing social inequalities through data-driven governance. Following the example of 2022 Bihar caste-based survey, which revealed 63% of its population as Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Andhra Pradesh sought to conduct a similar exercise.[4] The initiative was driven by the need to quantify caste demographics and socio-economic conditions to enhance welfare programs, as emphasized by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.[5]
On 3 November 2023, the Andhra Pradesh cabinet formally approved the survey, designating the Backward Classes (BC) Welfare Department as the nodal agency.[2] The survey was intended to provide a comprehensive dataset to support policies aimed at reducing poverty and discrimination.[6]
Objectives
[edit]The survey aimed to:
- Map caste demographics across Andhra Pradesh's 26 districts.
- Collect data on education, employment, housing, and access to amenities such as clean water and sanitation.
- Support the formulation of targeted welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes (BC), and other marginalized groups.[7]
- Enhance transparency in resource allocation through evidence-based governance.[5]
Methodology
[edit]The survey was designed to leverage Andhra Pradesh's village and ward secretariat system, with volunteers tasked with data collection. Authentication processes, including biometric, OTP, face, or iris-based eKYC, were implemented to ensure data accuracy.[8] The process involved:
- Pre-survey consultations with caste leaders and community representatives across districts.
- Data collection on socio-economic indicators, including household amenities and educational attainment.[7]
- Collaboration among multiple departments, including SC Welfare, Tribal Welfare, and Minority Welfare.[5]
A pilot phase was launched on 15 November 2023, with the full survey scheduled to begin on 9 December 2023.[6] Results were initially expected by January 2024.[9]
Implementation challenges
[edit]Several challenges emerged during the planning phase:
- Timeline Concerns: Community representatives, including those from the Kalinga Vysya community, argued that the one-week data collection period was insufficient for accurate results.[7]
- Logistical Overlap: Concurrent welfare programs reportedly delayed the survey's start to 10 December 2023.[9]
- Community Engagement: Calls for broader consultations to ensure inclusivity were raised during pre-survey meetings.[7]
As of May 2025, no official results or updates have been published, suggesting potential delays, incomplete execution, or restricted disclosure.[3] The absence of data on the Andhra Pradesh state portal further complicates verification.[10]
Political context
[edit]The survey was a politically significant initiative, with caste-based data seen as critical for electoral strategies and social justice advocacy. In November 2024, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y. S. Sharmila renewed calls for a caste survey, citing unfulfilled promises by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from 2017.[3] The lack of results has fueled debates about transparency and governance in the state.[6]
Comparison with other states
[edit]Unlike Bihar, which successfully published its 2023 caste survey results, Andhra Pradesh's efforts remain inconclusive.[4] The Bihar model, which informed Andhra Pradesh's approach, demonstrated the potential for caste data to reshape reservation policies and welfare distribution.[5] The absence of similar outcomes in Andhra Pradesh highlights logistical or political barriers unique to the state.
Impact and future prospects
[edit]The survey was intended to empower marginalized communities by providing a robust dataset for policy interventions. However, the lack of publicized results limits its immediate impact.[6] Future efforts may require:
- Enhanced transparency in data release.
- Extended timelines for comprehensive data collection.
- Stronger community involvement to ensure inclusivity.[7]
The initiative remains a focal point for discussions on social equity and governance in Andhra Pradesh, with potential to influence national debates on caste-based surveys.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "Andhra Pradesh cabinet approves caste-based survey in the state". Hindustan Times. 3 November 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Andhra Pradesh cabinet approves comprehensive caste census". India Today. 3 November 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d "YS Sharmila wants caste survey in Andhra Pradesh, says BJP promised so in 2017". India Today. 8 November 2024. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Andhra cabinet gives nod to caste survey". Hindustan Times. 3 November 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Andhra Pradesh hopes caste census will enhance data-driven governance". Frontline. 10 November 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Andhra Pradesh caste census: The division game". India Today. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "AP caste survey: Socioeconomic conditions of all communities should also be gathered, say representatives". The Hindu. 17 November 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ "AP Caste Survey 2023 Operational Guidelines". APTEACHERS. November 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Caste Survey in Andhra Pradesh". GSWS Helper. November 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ "AP State Portal". Government of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 4 May 2025.