Telangana’s Composite Backwardness Index Initiative
The Telangana government is pioneering a unique initiative aimed at measuring social and economic disparities across various sub-castes. This effort stems from the findings of the Social Education Employment Economic Political Caste (SEEEPC) Survey conducted in 2024. The expert working group, led by Justice Sudarshan Reddy (Retd.), is formulating a ‘Composite Backwardness Index’ (CBI) to objectively assess the relative backwardness of 243 sub-castes identified in the survey.
Background of the SEEEPC Survey
The SEEEPC survey represents undertaking, encompassing 3.55 crore individuals across Telangana. It collects extensive data across 75 fields, which include social, economic, educational, and occupational aspects. The survey aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the living conditions and identities of various social groups within the state.
Formation of the Composite Backwardness Index
The CBI is designed to be a numerical measure of backwardness. It will be developed using a quartile-based statistical analysis of data collected through the SEEEPC. The expert group will assess up to 43 parameters that are divided into seven categories – social, education, living standards, occupation, income, assets, and financial access.
Parameters and Methodology
The parameters chosen for the CBI are extensive, reflecting both rural and urban contexts. This comprehensive approach is a shift from the Mandal Commission, which used only 11 parameters for its analysis. The CBI aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of disparities among sub-castes.
Data Analysis and Reporting
The expert group has completed its statistical work and is preparing to draft a report. This report will rank each sub-caste based on their CBI scores, offering vital information about their relative backwardness. The findings will also include graphical representations to enhance understanding.
Future Directions and AI Integration
The expert group is advocating for the use of Artificial Intelligence to create a natural language interface for the SEEEPC dataset. This interface will allow researchers to access aggregate data while maintaining privacy, thus facilitating further analysis.
Significance of the Initiative
This initiative is historic in the context of independent India, as it provides granular vital information about caste identities and the disparities faced by different social groups. The findings from the CBI are expected to inform government policies and programmes aimed at addressing these disparities.
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