Telangana has become the first state to legislate internal reservation for Scheduled Castes , dividing the existing 15% quota among 59 sub-castes based on their socio-economic status. The Telangana Scheduled Castes Bill, 2025, passed unanimously in the state assembly, aims to address disparities in the distribution of benefits among SC communities.
The legislation categorises SCs into three groups: Group I, comprising 15 sub-castes identified as the most disadvantaged, will receive 1% reservation; Group II, with 18 sub-castes considered moderately benefited, will have 9%; and Group III, consisting of 26 sub-castes deemed significantly benefited, will be allocated 5%. This classification is based on the recommendations of a commission led by retired High Court judge Justice Shameem Akhtar, which conducted an extensive study, including over 8,600 petitions and district visits.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy highlighted the historical significance of this move, noting that it fulfills a three-decade-long demand for equitable distribution of reservations among SC communities. He acknowledged the efforts of activists, particularly the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi , in advocating for this change. The government plans to implement the new reservation structure from April, with adjustments to education admissions and public service recruitment processes.
The bill’s passage follows a Supreme Court judgment in August 2024, which permitted states to sub-categorise SCs within their reservation quotas. Telangana’s swift action post-judgment included forming a cabinet sub-committee and commissioning a detailed study to inform the legislation. The state government has also indicated plans to revise SC reservation percentages following the 2026 census to reflect updated demographic data.
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