Minister Urges MLAs to Raise Awareness on SC Categorisation
Hyderabad: Health Minister C Damodar Raja Narsimha has urged MLAs from the Madiga community to educate people about the categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs). Speaking on Wednesday, he explained that this categorisation aims to remove inequalities among oppressed castes. He clarified that the process is not against any particular caste or community and asked MLAs to spread this message among the public.
The Minister emphasized that MLAs must ensure the benefits of this classification reach every part of society. He warned that people should not be misled by false information or misconceptions spread by others. It is the duty of MLAs and community leaders to prevent unnecessary agitation, he added.
Raja Narsimha reminded that the Congress Party has always supported SC categorisation. He recalled that in 2005, former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy passed a resolution in the Assembly in favor of this classification. Later, in 2018, Rahul Gandhi also expressed his support during a meeting in Hyderabad.
Further, he mentioned that in 2023, at an SC Declaration meeting in Chevella, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge openly supported the classification. After coming to power in December 2023, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy even appointed a senior advocate to argue in favor of the classification in the Supreme Court.
The Minister explained that the Commission, following the Supreme Court’s directions, studied various aspects such as population, education, employment, and economic and social conditions. The Commission visited all ten districts, gathered opinions from the public and social groups, and received over 8,000 complaints both online and offline. After thorough research, a scientifically backed report was submitted.
According to the Minister, the Commission recommended categorising SCs into three groups. The 15 most backward castes will be placed in Group 1, 18 intermediate castes in Group 2, and relatively better-off castes in Group 3. He stressed that this classification is intended to ensure justice for all SC communities.
Raja Narsimha urged MLAs to encourage public participation in supporting the classification process. The meeting was attended by Professor Mallesham, TPCC leader Vijay Kumar, and other leaders.
