Telangana Makes History with Scheduled Castes Categorisation
In a groundbreaking move, the Telangana Government has set a new precedent by becoming the first state in the country to implement the categorisation of Scheduled Castes. This significant development was marked by the issuance of a gazette notification on April 14, 2025, designating this date as the appointed day for the categorisation process.
The implementation of the Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act 2025 has been a pivotal moment for the state, following the landmark judgment by the Supreme Court on August 1 of the previous year. This judgment upheld the constitutionality of sub-classifying the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to allow for separate quotas for the most marginalized groups within these communities.
Delving into the details of this historic decision, the Telangana Government carefully considered various factors in the categorisation process. These factors included the Supreme Court’s verdict, empirical data, as well as social, economic, educational, employment, and political aspects affecting the Scheduled Caste communities. As a result, the SCs have been divided into three distinct groups to facilitate the implementation of reservation policies.
Group-I, comprising 15 sub-castes identified as the most backward, has been allocated 1% reservation. Despite constituting only 0.5% of the population, these groups have been granted this reservation to ensure that educational and employment opportunities are extended to the most marginalized members of the Scheduled Caste community.
Moving on to Group-II, a total of 18 sub-castes out of the 59 identified have been placed in this category, receiving a 9% reservation. These sub-castes were deemed to have marginal benefits compared to the most backward groups in Group-I.
Lastly, Group-III includes 26 sub-castes that were considered to be relatively better placed in terms of opportunities, receiving a 5% reservation. This categorisation aims to address the varying needs and circumstances of different sub-castes within the Scheduled Caste community.
The momentous occasion of the gazette notification being handed over to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy by the Cabinet sub-committee led by Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and co-chaired by Health Minister C. Damodar Rajanarsimha marked a significant step in the implementation of these categorisation policies. The committee emphasized that while 33 of the 59 sub-castes remained in their current groups, there were adjustments made for 26 sub-castes, representing 3.43% of the SC population.
Looking ahead, the categorisation of Scheduled Castes will have a tangible impact on recruitment processes for government jobs, with a focus on ensuring equitable opportunities for the youth from these communities. It is crucial for eligible candidates to be aware of these changes and seize the opportunities presented by this categorisation initiative. However, it is important to note that the categorisation will not apply to vacancies that have already been notified.
Moreover, the Telangana Government has expressed its commitment to further enhancing reservations for Scheduled Castes based on the data obtained from the upcoming Census in 2026. This forward-looking approach underscores the government’s dedication to promoting inclusivity and ensuring equitable representation for all communities within the state.
As Telangana blazes a trail with its pioneering approach to Scheduled Castes categorisation, the impact of this historic decision is poised to resonate far beyond its borders, setting a precedent for other states to follow in the pursuit of social justice and equality.
The Telangana Government’s commitment to addressing the diverse needs of the Scheduled Caste communities through thoughtful categorisation policies marks a significant step towards building a more inclusive and equitable society for all its citizens.
