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In a groundbreaking move for social justice, Telangana has become the first state in India to implement the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SC). The state government’s bold step comes as part of the Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2025, marking a significant shift in how reservations in government jobs and education will be allocated. This move is expected to address historical inequities among the various communities within the SC category, ensuring that the most marginalized benefit from the reservation system.
As The Instant News reports, this decision could set the stage for a nationwide reform in how the reservation system operates, especially in the context of the latest India news surrounding social justice and affirmative action.
What is SC Sub-Categorisation?
SC sub-categorisation involves classifying the SC communities into smaller groups based on their socio-economic and educational status. Telangana has divided its 59 SC communities into three distinct groups: Group I, Group II, and Group III. This categorization aims to ensure that reservation benefits are distributed more equitably, especially to those who are the most backward and marginalized.
Group I: The most backward communities have been placed here, with 1% reservation. These groups make up just 0.5% of the SC population in Telangana but will now receive a higher share of the reservation pie to help uplift them educationally and economically.
Group II: Comprising 18 sub-castes, this group will receive 9% reservation. These communities have historically received marginal benefits but still remain underrepresented in both education and employment.
Group III: The relatively better-off sub-castes in the SC community have been placed in this category, with a 5% reservation. This category includes those who have had relatively more access to opportunities and benefits compared to the others.
The Role of Justice Shameem Akther’s Commission
The Telangana government took a thorough, evidence-based approach to this categorization. A commission led by retired High Court judge Justice Shameem Akther was appointed to study the status of SC communities in the state. Based on the commission’s recommendations, the government decided to rationalize the reservation system, ensuring that those who are most in need of assistance are prioritized.
Justice Akther’s commission highlighted that Scheduled Castes are not a homogenous group. Different sub-castes within the SC community face varying levels of economic hardship, educational backwardness, and social challenges. This historical and empirical evidence helped shape the new categorization system, ensuring that no one community monopolizes the benefits meant for the most marginalized.
Political and Social Implications of the Move
While the decision has been lauded for its positive impact on the underprivileged SC communities, it also has significant political undertones. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy hailed the implementation as a victory for social justice, stating that the state has set a historic precedent by becoming the first to implement such a system.
Experts believe that this move may have broader implications beyond Telangana. By addressing internal inequalities within the SC community, the state is setting a model that could be replicated by other states. The categorization could become a catalyst for similar reforms at the national level, especially given the growing demand for caste-based census data and reservation reforms, which have dominated the latest India news.
The Congress government’s decision also aligns with its ongoing efforts to consolidate the OBC and SC vote blocs, which form around 70% of Telangana’s electorate. By implementing these changes, the party aims to strengthen its position ahead of the state’s upcoming local body elections.
Impact on Recruitment and Education
One of the key benefits of the sub-categorisation is its impact on recruitment to government jobs and admission to educational institutions. Moving forward, appointments will be based on the categorization of SC communities, ensuring that opportunities are offered in a more equitable manner. The categorization will help to ensure that the most backward communities within the SC group are given the proper representation.
Minister for Health and Family Welfare, C Damodar Rajanarsimha, who co-chaired the sub-committee on SC categorisation, emphasized that the sub-categorisation would apply to future vacancies. However, vacancies already notified before this policy came into effect would not be affected. This ensures that the transition is smooth while also paving the way for future reforms.
Constitutional Backing for SC Sub-Categorisation
The decision is not only a state-level policy change but also enjoys constitutional backing. The Supreme Court of India, in its landmark judgment in August 2024, upheld the legality of sub-classifying the SC and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories for the purpose of granting separate quotas. The ruling was a crucial development in affirming the right of states to protect the most marginalized sub-groups within these communities.
This legal affirmation has provided a solid foundation for Telangana’s decision, making it a significant step towards addressing historical inequities in India’s reservation system.
Who Will Benefit from This Move?
The new categorization will primarily benefit the most backward communities within the SC group. By providing additional reservation and better opportunities for these communities, the Telangana government aims to level the playing field in terms of access to education, employment, and socio-economic development.
The categorization also ensures that future generations of these marginalized communities will have a more equitable chance at securing government jobs and higher education. The new system aims to uplift the most disadvantaged individuals, creating a more just society in the process.
A Model for Other States
Telangana’s implementation of SC sub-categorisation could serve as a model for other states across India. By addressing the needs of specific sub-castes within the SC community, Telangana is showing the way for a more inclusive and equitable reservation system. It is expected that other states may follow suit, pushing for similar reforms to ensure that reservation benefits reach the most deserving individuals.
Conclusion
Telangana’s decision to implement SC sub-categorisation is a major milestone in India’s journey towards social justice and equality. By dividing the SC community into three distinct groups based on their socio-economic status, the government has taken a significant step to ensure that reservations in education and employment are granted in a way that addresses the true needs of the most disadvantaged.
As The Instant News reports, this is a landmark move that could pave the way for broader reservation reforms. With latest India news focusing on equality and affirmative action, Telangana’s decision will undoubtedly be watched closely, and its success could inspire similar changes nationwide.
