Telangana Government Announces Historic Decision on SC Sub-Categorization
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has declared that the state government has approved three major recommendations from the Justice Shameem Akhtar-led One-Member Commission. These recommendations focus on the sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the state. However, the government has rejected the proposal to introduce a “creamy layer” within the SC category, which would have limited benefits based on economic status.
Speaking at a special session of the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister called this decision a “historic move” that resolves a long-standing issue affecting SC sub-groups. He expressed his personal satisfaction, recalling how he was once expelled from the Assembly for raising the same demand. “Today, as the Leader of the House, I am fulfilling that very demand,” he said.
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SC Communities Divided into Three Groups
The Telangana government has decided to divide the 59 Scheduled Caste communities in the state into three groups, each with specific reservation quotas:
1. Group I: 15 sub-castes will receive 1% reservation.
2. Group II: 18 sub-castes will receive 9% reservation.
3. Group III: 26 sub-castes will receive 5% reservation.
Additionally, the government has approved a Preferential Model for job recruitment to ensure fair representation of SC communities through a roster-based system.
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Rejection of Creamy Layer Proposal
The proposal to introduce a “creamy layer” within the SC category, which would exclude economically well-off individuals from benefiting from reservations, was rejected. The government emphasized its commitment to equitable distribution of benefits without economic barriers.
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Legal Framework and Implementation Plans
This decision aligns with a Supreme Court Constitutional Bench ruling on SC categorization, making Telangana the first state in India to take action based on the verdict. The state had formally thanked the Supreme Court for its judgment on August 1, 2024.
To oversee the implementation of these changes, the government has formed a Cabinet Sub-Committee led by Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy. Other members include Damodar Rajanarsimha, Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Ponnam Prabhakar, Dansari Seethakka, and MP Dr. Mallu Ravi.
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Extensive Research by the Justice Commission
The Justice Shameem Akhtar Commission, established on October 11, 2024, was tasked with studying SC sub-categorization. Initially given 60 days for its work, the Commission’s tenure was extended until February 10, 2025, due to the complexity of the issue.
Since November 11, 2024, the Commission conducted district-level visits, public consultations, and surveys in SC settlements. It received 8,681 petitions from various stakeholders and collected detailed data on SC population distribution, literacy rates, employment levels, education enrollments, government job recruitment, economic assistance programs, and political representation.
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Comprehensive Report and Future Steps
After months of research, the Commission submitted a 199-page report on February 3, 2025. The Telangana Cabinet has now approved its key recommendations, paving the way for the implementation of a new SC reservation model.
This marks a significant policy shift aimed at ensuring fair distribution of benefits among SC communities in Telangana. The government is set to roll out these changes, which are expected to bring long-term benefits to historically marginalized groups.
