Chief Minister Revanth Reddy reaffirmed his government’s commitment to Scheduled Caste (SC) sub-classification, declaring that Telangana will be the first State in the country to implement it.
He announced that the government had rejected the one-member judicial commission’s recommendation to introduce a creamy layer within reservations, which suggested that MLAs, MPs, ZP chairpersons, mayors, and other public representatives, as well as those in Group 1 government service and similar positions, should be excluded from its benefits of the reservation.
Presenting the report submitted by former High Court judge Justice Shameem Akhtar’s commission in the Assembly on Tuesday, Mr. Reddy said the panel had identified 59 sub-castes among SCs in Telangana and recommended their categorisation into three groups within the existing 15% reservation. Under this proposal, Group 1, comprising 15 sub-castes with a population share of 3.288%, would receive 1% reservation, while Group 2, with 18 sub-castes making up 62.748% of the SC population, would be allocated 9%. Group 3, consisting of 26 sub-castes with a 33.963% population share, would get 5%.
Calling it a historic moment, Mr. Reddy recalled that the demand for SC sub-classification had been ongoing for three decades. He expressed deep satisfaction over the move, emphasising that his government was determined to ensure a lasting solution in line with the Supreme Court’s directives. He reiterated his commitment to Ambedkar’s vision of social justice, ensuring that welfare benefits reach the most marginalised.
“Once, raising this issue in the House would have led to my expulsion. But today, as the leader of the House, I am proud to bring this resolution forward. I urge all members to support this crucial step,” he said.
However, tensions prevailed in the Assembly as Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs opposed the caste census survey, alleging errors and discrepancies. Accusing the government of suppressing their voices, they staged a walkout in protest, demanding a fair discussion on the issue. Meanwhile, several Congress MLAs from the Madiga community welcomed the decision and lauded the government’s efforts to implement the sub-classification.
Published – February 05, 2025 12:43 am IST
