Hyderabad: The Telangana Legislative Assembly has unanimously approved the SC Classification Bill, marking a significant step in the decades-long struggle for Scheduled Caste (SC) sub-categorization. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, addressing the House, reiterated the Congress party’s long-standing commitment to Dalit empowerment and equal representation.
During the discussion, CM Revanth Reddy highlighted Congress’ historical efforts to uplift Dalits, recalling how Babu Jagjivan Ram was entrusted with key portfolios at the Centre and how Damodaram Sanjeevaiah became the first Dalit Chief Minister in India under Congress rule. He acknowledged the prolonged demand for SC classification and the sacrifices made by many in the struggle.
Referring to past initiatives, the CM stated that in 2004, the Congress government formed the Usha Mehra Committee to address the issue. He expressed satisfaction that the long-pending demand was addressed under his leadership. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the state government promptly announced its decision, forming a cabinet sub-committee led by Uttam Kumar Reddy and appointing the Shamim Akhtar Commission to examine public submissions.
The commission received 8,681 proposals and classified the 59 SC sub-castes into three groups based on benefits received so far. The Assembly approved the bill without any modifications to the commission’s recommendations. CM Revanth Reddy thanked all members for their support in passing the bill.
