Telangana Implements SC Sub-Categorisation

Context

Telangana has made history by becoming the first state in India to implement Scheduled Castes (SC) sub-categorisation in education and public employment. This landmark policy, enacted on Ambedkar Jayanti, addresses intra-category disparities among SC communities and aims to promote equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. The move follows legislative approval and a Supreme Court verdict supporting sub-classification.

Background of SC Sub-Categorisation

• Sub-Categorisation: Scheduled Castes in India have remained a socially and economically backward class. But few of these sub castes have been getting more out of various affirmative action programs than are others. Hence, the interest in sub-categorisation is to deliberate more widely on intra-category backwardness through the fine disaggregation of SC reservations into targeted sets of groups. 
• Judicial-Pronouncements And Legislature: In August 2024, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the constitutionality of sub-categorisation of SCs. Aggrieved by this ruling, the states were quick off the mark with Telangana being first to promulgate the Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act of 2025, which now categorizes 59 SC communities into three groups for the purposes of reservation.

Key Features of Telangana’s Policy

• Division into Groups: The state government classified SCs into three groups based on socio-economic indicators identified by a one-man commission led by retired High Court judge Justice Shameem Akhtar.
• Reservation Allocation: The existing 15% reservation for SCs in education and employment was redistributed among these groups to ensure equitable access.
• Exclusion of Creamy Layer: The Cabinet rejected recommendations to introduce a creamy layer within SCs, ensuring that all sub-castes benefit from the policy without income-based exclusions.
• Implementation Framework: A government order (GO) issued on April 14, 2025, outlined guidelines for effective implementation. The first copy of the GO was handed over to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.

Process Leading to Implementation

• Judicial Commission Formation: Justice Shameem Akhtar’s Commission laid considerable emphasis on analyzing socio-economic data, while also receiving representations from more than 1000 stakeholders supporting sub-caste classifications. 
• Cabinet Deliberations: After months of discussions, the Telangana Cabinet approved the draft laws. The Ministers maintained that this policy is in consonance with the principles of social justice and a response to the long-standing demands of the marginalized communities.
• Legislative Validation: The State Assembly passed the Bill unanimously on March 18, 2025, and it soon gained the Governor’s consent.

Significance of the Move

• Promoting Social Justice: Telangana’s initiative ensures fair representation for all SC sub-castes, addressing disparities that have persisted despite decades of affirmative action.
• Tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Enacting this policy on Ambedkar Jayanti symbolizes a commitment to his vision of equality and justice for marginalized communities.
• Setting a Precedent: As the first state to implement sub-categorisation, Telangana sets an example for other states to follow suit in addressing intra-category inequalities.

Reactions from Stakeholders

• Government Leaders: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy hailed the policy as revolutionary, emphasizing its role in empowering Dalits across all sections.
• Political Parties: The Bharata Rashtra Samithi (BRS) welcomed the move but criticized delays under previous administrations. Other parties like Telugu Desam Party (TDP) expressed strong support for implementing reservations as per the Supreme Court verdict.
• Public Sentiment: Advocacy groups representing marginalized sub-castes celebrated the decision as a long-overdue step toward equity within SC communities.

Conclusion

Telangana’s implementation of Scheduled Castes sub-categorisation marks a historic milestone in India’s affirmative action policies. By addressing intra-category disparities, the state demonstrates its commitment to social justice and equality. This pioneering move is expected to inspire similar initiatives across other states while fostering inclusive development for marginalized communities.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Critically examine the need for sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes in India. What are the constitutional, social, and political challenges associated with its implementation?

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