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The All India OBC Students' Association (AIOBCSA) on Saturday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarify the methodology and scope of the proposed 2027 Caste Census, citing concerns over the exclusion of non-SC/ST caste data during the initial House Hold Level Operations phase. The group also called for Telangana's 42% Backward Class reservation to be placed under the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to shield it from judicial review.
AIOBCSA leaders questioned whether caste enumeration in the second phase, Population Enumeration, would rely on state-level or central OBC lists and urged the government to adopt a scientifically sound and transparent process for collecting data on upper castes and other communities. They argued that a comprehensive caste census is critical for evidence-based policy and the legal sustainability of reservation systems.
The organization cited Tamil Nadu's model of securing its reservation laws under the Ninth Schedule as a precedent for Telangana to follow, emphasizing the need for constitutional safeguards against potential court challenges. Leaders stated that without such protection, reservation policies remain vulnerable to judicial reversal.
Ahead of Prime Minister Modi's scheduled visit, AIOBCSA announced plans to support protests across Telangana, vowing to continue demonstrations until the Centre responds to its demands on caste census clarity and reservation protection. The agitation is ongoing.