Telangana Breaks Ground: Pioneering SC Sub-Categorisation

The Telangana government has become the first in India to implement Scheduled Castes (SC) sub-categorisation, dividing 59 SC communities into three groups for reservations in jobs and education. This marks a historic Act of Social Justice, coinciding with BR Ambedkar's birth anniversary and aims to empower Dalits.

In a landmark move, the Telangana government has become the first state in India to implement Scheduled Castes (SC) sub-categorisation. The decision sees 59 SC communities divided into three groups to ensure fair distribution of the 15 percent reservation in government jobs and education sectors.

The policy, hailed as a notable Act of Social Justice, was celebrated by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar. The decision follows recommendations from a commission headed by retired High Court judge Justice Shameem Akther, rejecting advice to exclude the creamy layer from reservations.

Under the new framework, 15 disadvantaged SC communities receive a one-percent reservation, 18 moderately benefited groups receive nine percent, and 26 significantly benefited communities receive a five-percent reservation. The government vows to adjust these allocations following the 2026 census if the SC population increases.

(With inputs from agencies.)