Telangana Implements India's First SC Sub-Categorisation Policy
The state officially divides 59 Scheduled Caste communities into three groups with differentiated reservations, marking a historic step in affirmative action.
- Telangana becomes the first Indian state to implement SC sub-categorisation, effective April 14, 2025, through a government order published in the state gazette.
- The policy divides 59 Scheduled Caste communities into three groups with specific reservation percentages: Group I (1%), Group II (9%), and Group III (5%).
- The move follows a 2024 Supreme Court verdict upholding the constitutional validity of SC sub-categorisation, recognizing disparities within SC communities.
- All new government job vacancies and educational admissions in Telangana will now be allocated based on the new categorisation framework.
- Timed to coincide with Ambedkar Jayanti, the policy reflects both social justice imperatives and political efforts to consolidate SC and OBC voter support ahead of local elections.
Hindustan Times 