revanth-reddy-promises-reservations-for-madiga-and-mala

In a significant development for Telangana, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced the state's plan to implement reservations for the Madiga and Mala sub-castes, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling on the classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs).

 

The announcement came during a session in the Telangana Assembly on Thursday, reflecting the state's commitment to aligning with the new legal guidelines.

 

The Supreme Court's recent verdict, delivered by a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, has permitted sub-classification within SCs and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This decision overturned the earlier 2004 judgement in the EV Chinnaiah case, which had ruled against sub-classification. The new ruling recognizes the need to address disparities within these communities by allowing the categorization of SCs into different groups.

 

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for its ruling, which he described as a milestone in ensuring fair representation and benefits within the SC community. He detailed the steps the Telangana government plans to take in response to the verdict.

 

 

The government intends to categorise SCs into A, B, C, and D groups to better allocate reservations and resources. This move is aimed at ensuring that benefits reach the most deserving individuals within these groups.

 

Revanth Reddy also announced that the state will ensure that job notifications reflect these new categories, including reservations for the Madiga and Mala sub-castes. He emphasised that if necessary, the government will issue an ordinance to implement these changes swiftly.

 

This decision underscores the state's proactive approach in adhering to the Supreme Court's guidelines and addressing the needs of various sub-castes within the SC category.

 

The Chief Minister recalled previous efforts to address this issue, including the suspension of former official Sampath Kumar and the involvement of Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, Advocate General Damodar Rajanarsimha, and Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha in arguing the categorization issue before the Supreme Court. These efforts, he noted, have finally borne fruit with the court's ruling.

 

Justice BR Gavai, one of the judges on the bench, advocated for the identification of a 'creamy layer' within SCs and STs to ensure that affirmative action benefits reach those who are truly in need. He highlighted the disparities between individuals in high positions and those still struggling in rural areas. The judgement emphasised that while some individuals have significantly benefited from reservations and moved into higher social and economic strata, others remain in disadvantaged positions.

 

The ruling has generated a considerable amount of discussion about the implementation and impact of sub-classification. Justice Gavai, supported by other judges, argued that the criteria for exclusion from affirmative action for SCs and STs should be adjusted based on their specific circumstances, acknowledging that a uniform approach might not be appropriate for all groups.

 

The Telangana government's response reflects a commitment to implementing these recommendations and ensuring that the benefits of reservation policies are distributed more equitably among different sub-castes. By adjusting its policies in accordance with the Supreme Court's ruling, the Telangana administration aims to address existing inequalities and enhance the effectiveness of its affirmative action measures.

 

The Supreme Court's decision marks a crucial step in refining the reservation system in India, and Telangana's proactive approach sets a precedent for other states to follow. The government's planned categorization and reservation adjustments are expected to play a significant role in promoting fairness and ensuring that the most deserving individuals benefit from affirmative action policies.