Telangana Leads the Way with SC Sub-Categorisation Reform

Current Affairs Telangana

Posted by newadmin on 2025-04-16 08:49:49 |

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On April 14, 2025, Telangana became the first Indian state to implement Scheduled Castes (SC) sub-categorisation, marking a historic step toward equitable social justice. The move follows the enactment of the Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act 2025, which seeks to restructure the existing reservation system by dividing the 59 SC communities into three groups based on their socio-economic status.

The legislation, published on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, categorises SCs into:

• Group I: 15 most disadvantaged sub-castes receiving 1% reservation

• Group II: 18 moderately backward sub-castes with 9% reservation

• Group III: 26 relatively better-off sub-castes getting 5% reservation

This reform aligns with the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling that upheld the legal validity of SC and ST sub-classification for fairer distribution of benefits.

By targeting support to the most marginalised, the Act aims to correct historical imbalances within the SC population. The classification is based on detailed data about education, employment, and socio-economic conditions.

Politically, the move is significant for the ruling Congress party, led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, as it seeks to bolster support among SC and OBC voters. Coupled with a recent increase in OBC quotas to 42%, the decision may test the constitutional 50% reservation cap.

Looking ahead, this policy will immediately affect public sector recruitment and education. Adjustments based on the 2026 census are also expected, indicating a dynamic and responsive reservation model.

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