Vamshi
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has announced that sub-classification within the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories will be implemented immediately in the state. This follows a recent Supreme Court verdict allowing such measures.
Supreme Court Verdict
The Supreme Court recently revisited a 2004 judgement that had said sub-classification within SCs and STs was not allowed because these groups were seen as homogeneous. The new ruling states that sub-classification is permissible if done with clear and objective criteria. This ensures that the benefits of reservations reach all sub-groups fairly, not just the more privileged ones.
CM Revanth Reddy’s Response
Welcoming the Supreme Court’s decision, CM Revanth Reddy expressed his gratitude for what he described as a “sensational verdict.” He emphasized the importance of addressing disparities within the SC/ST communities and assured that the state government would take swift action to implement the classification.
“If necessary, we will bring an ordinance to ensure the classification is reflected in the job notifications that have already been issued,” the Chief Minister stated. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to doing justice to the Madiga community and other marginalized sub-castes within the SC/ST categories.
Implications for Telangana
The implementation of sub-classification is expected to bring significant changes to the reservation system in Telangana. By ensuring that the benefits of reservations reach the most deprived segments within the SC/ST communities, the state aims to promote a more equitable distribution of opportunities in education and employment.
This move aligns with the broader objective of the reservation policy, which is to uplift the socio-economic status of historically marginalized groups. The state’s proactive approach in potentially issuing an ordinance demonstrates its commitment to addressing intra-group disparities and ensuring that reservation benefits are not monopolized by relatively advantaged sub-groups.
Conclusion
CM Revanth Reddy’s announcement marks a pivotal step towards achieving social justice for all sub-groups within the SC/ST categories in Telangana. By implementing the Supreme Court’s verdict on sub-classification, the state government aims to ensure a fairer and more inclusive reservation system that benefits the most marginalized communities. This decision underscores the state’s dedication to fostering equality and addressing the nuanced needs of its diverse population.
