Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasized the long and arduous struggle for Scheduled Caste (SC) classification, stating that many lives were lost in the process. Speaking in the Assembly on the occasion of the SC Classification Bill’s approval, he described it as a historic moment that provides a permanent solution to a decades-old issue. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting Dalits and ensuring their upliftment.
Highlighting the Congress party’s long-standing support for Dalits, Revanth Reddy recalled that in 1960, the party had appointed Damodaram Sanjivayya, a Dalit leader, as the Chief Minister of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. He also pointed out that the Congress party elected Mallikarjun Kharge as the AICC president, further demonstrating its commitment to Dalit empowerment.
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Addressing legal aspects, the Chief Minister noted that the Punjab case on SC classification had been prolonged in the Supreme Court. He stated that after coming to power, the Telangana government presented strong arguments in favor of classification before a bench of seven judges. Following the Supreme Court’s verdict, the state legislature promptly passed a resolution supporting SC classification. He further mentioned the formation of a Cabinet subcommittee and the appointment of a one-man commission after consulting legal experts. The commission’s recommendations were fully accepted, leading to the division of 59 sub-castes into three groups and the allocation of 15% reservations accordingly.
Revanth Reddy assured that families of those who lost their lives in the SC classification movement would receive government support, including priority in housing schemes like Indiramma Illu and youth development programs under Rajiv Yuva Vikasam.
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SC Reservation Increase After 2026 Census
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing the SC classification issue permanently, the Chief Minister announced that SC reservations would be increased based on the 2026 census data. He asserted that the government is responsible for not only enhancing reservations but also ensuring their fair distribution. He assured the Assembly that under the Congress regime, no injustice would be done to Dalits.
Concluding his speech, Revanth Reddy expressed gratitude to all those who supported the passage of the bill.