Citing the caste survey carried out last year, the Telangana government has announced an allocation of Rs 11,405 crore for the Backward Classes Welfare Department in its 2025 Budget, a 24% rise compared to 2024.
Referring to the Socio, Economic, Educational, Employment, Political and Caste Survey conducted in November and December 2024, which found that 56% of the state’s population falls under Backward Classes (BC), Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said, “This data will serve as a foundation for shaping future welfare programs, reservations, and comprehensive economic development policies. Additionally, significant budget allocations and expenditures for BC welfare are being made across various departments to ensure inclusive growth.”
Amid questions by the opposition parties and BC groups about the reliability of the caste survey data, with some of them alleging that the BC population has been undercounted, the Telangana Assembly recently passed two key Bills to enhance BC reservations to 42% in education, government employment, and local governance, with unanimous support from all political parties.
“Thousands of crores are being invested in fisheries development through the Animal Husbandry Department, saree distribution for handloom workers via the Industries Department, and flagship agricultural initiatives such as Rythu Bandhu (Farmers' Investment Support) and loan waivers through the Agriculture Department,” the Finance Minister said, while announcing the allocation for the BC Welfare Department.
On the other hand, Rs 40,232 crore has been allocated for Scheduled Castes Welfare and Rs 17,169 crore for Scheduled Tribes Welfare. While the SC Welfare funds are up by 21%, the allocation for ST Welfare has remained nearly the same, seeing a marginal rise of 0.7%.