Andhra Pradesh to Enforce SC Sub-Categorisation Post 2026 Census: CM Naidu
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Synopsis
The Andhra Pradesh government plans to implement sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes reservations after the 2026 census. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu confirmed this in the Assembly, ensuring equitable benefits distribution among SC communities.
Key Takeaways
- Sub-categorisation of SC reservations to begin after 2026 census.
- District-wise implementation based on census data availability.
- Commitment to equitable distribution of benefits among SC communities.
- Recommendations include specific reservations for Relli, Madiga, and Mala sub-groups.
- Past movements and commissions influenced current decisions.
Amaravati, March 20 (NationPress) The government of Andhra Pradesh will initiate the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes reservations following the 2026 census, as stated by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during the Assembly session on Thursday.
Naidu revealed that the sub-categorisation would be carried out on a district basis once the census data is made available.
He reassured the Assembly that the TDP-led government is dedicated to fulfilling its electoral commitment regarding SC sub-categorisation, ensuring fair distribution of reservation benefits among the different SC communities.
On Monday, the state Cabinet approved the recommendations from a one-member commission led by retired IAS officer Rajiv Ranjan Mishra regarding the sub-classification in the state.
The report identified the Relli sub-group, which consists of 12 castes, as the 'most backward'. This was followed by the Madiga sub-group with 18 castes deemed 'backward', and the Mala sub-group, which includes 29 castes, classified as 'relatively less backward'.
The recommendations suggested a reservation of 1 percent for the Relli sub-group (group 1), 6.5 percent for the Madiga sub-group (group 2), and 7.5 percent for the Mala sub-group (group 3).
However, Naidu mentioned that he cannot currently endorse the sub-categorisation as precise census data for the state’s 26 districts is yet to be obtained.
He guaranteed that no group would be left behind and expressed his contentment that this long-standing issue, which has been a topic of discussion since he took office in 1995, is finally being resolved under his leadership.
Naidu recalled the significant movement initiated by Manda Krishna under the banner of "Madiga Dandora,” which highlighted the injustices faced by Madigas and their struggles for identity recognition. Acknowledging these demands, the government established the Justice Ramachandra Rao Commission on September 10, 1996.
A government order dated June 6, 1997, sub-categorised SC reservations into groups A, B, C, and D. This sub-categorisation, which was sanctioned by then-President K.R. Narayanan on November 30, 1999, resulted in over 22,000 job opportunities for Madigas and other sub-groups, Naidu noted. However, in November 2004, the Supreme Court ruled that only Parliament had the authority to decide on sub-categorisation. Later, the Usha Mehra Commission, set up by the Central government, confirmed that the categorisation implemented from 2000-2004 had produced positive outcomes.
In August 2024, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud ruled in favor of SC reservation sub-categorisation.
Chief Minister Naidu expressed that he views this as a rare opportunity and a culmination of previous efforts over 30 years. He stated that the Supreme Court’s ruling confirmed his vision for social justice and commended the former Chief Minister (N.T. Rama Rao) for his contributions to social justice, noting that NTR was the pioneer in establishing permanent housing for SCs and STs and creating social welfare schools for them.
