The Telangana SEEEPC Survey 2024, covering 97% of the population, reveals stark caste-linked inequalities. Backward Classes form 56% of the population, SCs 17%, STs 10%, and OCs 12%. A Composite Backwardness Index shows 67% of citizens worse off than average, with SCs and STs most deprived. Findings challenge “poverty is casteless” claims and urge welfare targeting by deprivation.