Telangana leads Indian states in SC quota sub-categorisation for education, jobs

Telangana has become the pioneering state in India to formally introduce the sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in reservation policies for education and public sector jobs, following the Supreme Court's August 2024 ruling permitting such classification.

The state government has separated 59 SC communities into three groups—Group I (1% reservation), Group II (9%), and Group III (5%)—under the existing 15% SC quota.

This was announced in a gazette notice published on April 14, 2025, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar.

While Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy confirmed immediate implementation and promised revisions based on the 2026 census population figures, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy referred to the move as historic and revolutionary in advancing social justice.

Following the governor's approval on April 8, the Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalization of Reservation) Act, 2025, was formally announced on April 14.

The classification is based on an extensive study that examined the socio-economic and educational disparities among SC sub-castes, led by retired High Court judge Justice Shameem Akther.

Group I includes 15 communities that are highly disadvantaged, Group II consists of 18 groups that are moderately benefited, and Group III comprises 26 sub-castes that are relatively better off.

In a bid to ensure equitable benefits without economic exclusion, the government rejected the notion of establishing a creamy layer within the SCs.

The implementation of recruitment and admissions began after the chief minister received the first copy of the gazette notification from the Cabinet Subcommittee, led by Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy.

To apply the sub-categorization across all government agencies, public sector organizations, and educational institutions, the Telangana government has outlined a comprehensive and phased plan.

According to Minister Uttam Reddy, the new classification will be implemented immediately in all future recruitment drives and academic admissions for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Officials have emphasized the importance of strong data collection and monitoring systems to track the policy's effects and ensure that the most marginalized SC populations benefit from it.

However, the strategy has sparked debate among different SC groups. While many have welcomed the move as a long-overdue correction, some organizations have expressed concerns about the adequacy of the percentage allocations, fearing that some populations might still be underrepresented.

In response, the government has pledged to establish a clear grievance redressal process and conduct regular reviews, particularly after the release of the 2026 census results, which will provide updated demographic insights.

Authorities are also working on awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders about the new system in an effort to reduce misunderstandings and potential conflicts between communities.

The call for sub-categorization within SC reservations has been a long-standing issue, particularly championed by organizations like the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi since the early 1990s.

These groups argue that many SC sub-castes remain socially and economically marginalized while a few dominant ones disproportionately benefit from the reservations.

In August 2024, the Supreme Court's landmark seven-judge Constitution Bench decision upheld the constitutionality of SC and ST sub-classifications, empowering states to enact legislation to ensure a more equitable allocation of reservation benefits. Telangana's swift response to this ruling demonstrates a proactive approach to social justice.

Before establishing the Cabinet Sub-Committee and appointing Justice Shameem Akther to head the commission that studied the socio-economic conditions of SC sub-castes, the state government conducted extensive consultations with social scientists, legal professionals, and community leaders.

The new law, based on the commission's recommendations, aims to rectify historical injustices and promote inclusive development among the Scheduled Castes.