■ SC Sub-Categorisation Bill passed: Telangana Assembly unanimously approved the long-pending SC sub-categorisation bill, fulfilling a 30-year-old demand.

■ Government support for Martyrs' families: CM Revanth Reddy announced priority in Indiramma housing and Rajiv Yuva Vikasam schemes for families of activists who died in agitation for SC classification.

■ BC Leaders thank CM for 42% Quota: Leaders of BC associations met CM Revanth Reddy in Assembly to express gratitude for enacting laws ensuring 42% reservations in education, employment, and political representation

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Telangana Assembly has unanimously passed the long-pending bill for Scheduled Castes (SC) sub-categorisation, fulfilling a 30-year-old demand. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy termed it a historic moment and expressed his gratitude to all parties for their support.

Revanth Reddy acknowledged the sacrifices of activists who fought for SCs classification and announced government support for the martyrs families through priority in Indiramma housing and Rajiv Yuva Vikasam schemes for unemployed youth. The CM stated that 59 SC sub-castes have been classified into three groups, distributing the 15% reservation among them fairly.

He reiterated that the Congress has always championed the cause of Dalits, recalling the party's history of appointing Dalit leaders like Damodaram Sanjeevaiah as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister in 1960. He cited similar instances of Congress making Dalit CMs in Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan earlier and even AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge belonged to a Dalit community.

Throwing limelight on the events leading upto introduction of bill in the Assembly, Revanth said following the Supreme Court's judgment in August 2024, the State Assembly passed a resolution in favor of SC classification, set up a Cabinet Sub-Committee, and formed a one-man Judicial Commission. After thorough consultations, the bill was drafted and approved. Revanth Reddy also assured that the government would consider increasing the SC reservation from 15% to 18% based on the 2026 Census results.

The CM emphasized that the government is committed to social justice and will ensure a fair implementation of reservations. Recognizing the significance of February 4, when the Assembly took a decisive step towards SC classification, the day has been officially declared as Social Justice Day in Telangana.

Express gratitude to Rahul first, CM says in meeting with BC Caste Associations

Earlier, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met with leaders of various Backward Classes (BC) associations, who thanked him for enacting laws that provide 42% reservations for BCs in education, employment, and political representation. However, Revanth urged them to first express their gratitude to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, crediting him for prioritizing caste census during the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Revanth Reddy reiterated that conducting a caste survey was essential for increasing reservations beyond the 50% cap. He assured that the state government completed the survey transparently and legally, making Telangana a role model in the country. The survey revealed that BCs constitute 56.36% of the population, compared to the Mandal Commission's estimate of 52%.

The CM warned against divisive politics exploiting caste identity and called on BC leaders to focus on securing their rightful share instead. He reassured the BC community of the government’s unwavering commitment to their empowerment and urged them to lead the fight for their rights.

Revanth stressed that the Congress has always stood by the BCs, pointing out that many PCC presidents come from BC backgrounds. He vowed that the government would implement the caste survey findings effectively and make amendments as needed to ensure lasting social justice.