Andhra Pradesh: Caste Census Proposal Gets Jagan Reddy Cabinet Nod

The comprehensive caste census in Andhra Pradesh will aim at gathering primary data on economic, social, educational, livelihood and population data, with a particular focus on marginalised groups.

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet gave the nod for a caste-based census and other key decisions on Friday. The state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also approved several proposals including the State Investment Promotion Board's decisions to establish new industries and to extend a special package to two food processing units.

Speaking to journalists after the cabinet meeting, State Information and Public Relations Minister C Srinivasa Venugopala Krishna highlighted that the cabinet extensively deliberated on the necessity of conducting a caste-oriented survey throughout the state before endorsing its approval.

"The Chief Minister emphasized that such a comprehensive caste survey will contribute to improving the livelihoods of marginalized communities and elevate their social empowerment," he stated, as reported by Hindustan Times.

According to a government release, the Cabinet approved a comprehensive caste census aimed at gathering primary data on economic, social, educational, livelihood, and population data, with a particular focus on marginalised groups. It also authorised the deployment of future skills experts in 6,790 government high schools to help with the integration of future skills education by mapping engineering colleges to provide digital skills training.

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the provision of complimentary land title registrations for 12,984 families in Polavaram, Velerupadu, and Kukunoor, located in the Eluru district, and 3,823 families in Devipatnam, Koonavaram, and Vararamachandrapuram in the East Godavari district, as part of the rehabilitation initiatives for villages affected by the Polavaram Project.

Additionally, the Cabinet agreed to provide the required guarantee on behalf of the state government for a loan of Rs 5,000 crore sanctioned to MARKFED for the procurement of Kharif grains in the fiscal year 2023-'24.

Moreover, the Cabinet approved the proposal to allocate housing plots to all accredited journalists and to fill 467 positions in the Roads and Buildings Department through outsourcing, among other decisions.