Sagara Sangam Raises Objection Over Non-Inclusion in Caste Survey
Hyderabad: The Telangana Sagara Sangam has raised concerns before the dedicated commission about the exclusion of the Sagara caste as an occupational caste in the state's comprehensive caste survey. Uppari Shekhar Sagara, the State President of the Sagara Sangam, along with General Secretary Gaurakka Satyam Sagara, Greater Hyderabad President Modala Ravi Sagara, and State Executive Secretary Sangishetty Gangadhar Sagara, voiced their objections during a meeting with Commission Chairman Retired IAS Busani Venkateswara Rao at Damodara Sanjeevayya Bhavan in Masab Tank, Hyderabad, on Tuesday.
Shekhar Sagara emphasized the injustice faced by the Sagara caste, which has been categorized as BC 'D,' thus limiting its recognition in Telangana’s social framework. He criticized the omission of several BC castes as occupational groups in the caste survey booklet and stated that it was unfair not to acknowledge the Sagara caste's historical connection to the construction sector. Sagara questioned the reasons behind the omission and expressed disappointment that government officials had not recognized the caste’s continued association with manual labor, especially in the economically and politically backward construction industry.
He also highlighted that past federations established under the leadership of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, which recognized caste workers, are still operational today. Sagara warned that any further disregard for the Sagara caste’s rights would not be tolerated, alleging favoritism by some government officials towards certain social groups. The Sagara Sangam leaders called for accountability in ensuring fair representation in the ongoing caste survey.
