On April 14, 2025, Telangana set a precedent by becoming the first Indian state to officially implement sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs). This significant reform follows the enactment of the Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2025, designed to ensure fairer distribution of reservation benefits in education and government employment.
Legal Foundation And Notification
The state government formalised the reform through a Gazette notification, aligning with an August 2024 Supreme Court ruling that validated the sub-division of SCs and STs to improve the effectiveness of affirmative action. The law received Governor’s approval on April 8, 2025, and was made public on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, reinforcing the symbolic significance of the move.
Breakdown Of SC Sub-Categorisation
Under the new framework, Telangana’s 59 Scheduled Caste communities are now split into three distinct categories:
Group I: 15 sub-castes considered the most socially and economically disadvantaged – allotted 1% reservation
Group II: 18 sub-castes with minimal access to previous benefits – allocated 9% reservation
Group III: 26 sub-castes relatively better positioned – provided 5% reservation
This targeted approach aims to ensure the most deprived groups are no longer overshadowed by dominant sub-castes within the SC classification.
Background And Rationale
The reform seeks to rectify internal imbalances in the distribution of reservation benefits among SC communities. Drawing on socio-economic indicators, educational data, and employment statistics, the state’s move is seen as a step towards inclusive and equitable social justice.
Experts believe that sub-categorisation is essential to prevent dominant SC sub-groups from absorbing a disproportionate share of opportunities meant for the entire community.
Political Implications And Broader Impact
Politically, this initiative strengthens the Congress-led Telangana government, under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, in its outreach to SC and OBC voters key segments of the electorate. The move complements the administration's decision to increase OBC reservations to 42%, sparking debate over the Supreme Court's 50% cap on total reservations.
Looking Ahead: Future Adjustments
The new policy will be implemented immediately in public sector recruitment and educational admissions. Moreover, the state government has indicated that post-2026 census data could lead to a revision of quotas, ensuring reservation policies remain responsive to demographic changes and evolving needs.
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