| 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 Comprehensive Caste Census of Andhra Pradesh 2024 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 census 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]
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 census, 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]
The census aimed to:
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:
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]
Several challenges emerged during the planning phase:
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]
The census 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]
Unlike Bihar, which successfully published its 2023 caste census 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.
The census 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:
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]