Andhra CM Naidu reaffirms commitment to SC reservation sub-categorisation based on 2026 census

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday informed the Assembly that the TDP-led government is committed to implementing Scheduled Castes reservation sub-categorisation district-wise based on the 2026 census.

Addressing the House on Thursday, Naidu stated that the census will be conducted in 2026 and reiterated his pre-election promise to implement district-wise sub-categorisation. "Once the census report is available, this government is committed to carrying out sub-categorisation based on districts," he said.

However, he noted that he cannot recommend sub-categorisation at present, as accurate census data for the state's 26 districts is not yet available.

He reiterated the NDA government’s commitment to uplifting marginalized communities socially, economically, and politically. He also announced that the Assembly’s resolution to include the Budaga Jangam community in the SC category would be sent to the Central government.

Recounting past discrimination, he noted that in Telangana, some Dalits were forced to beg for drinking water, were not allowed near wells, and were required to walk barefoot in villages. In response, he established the Justice Punnayya Commission, issued 25 government orders, and worked to eradicate untouchability.

On November 15, 2024, the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh formed a one-member commission led by retired IAS officer Rajeev Ranjan Mishra to study SC sub-categorization. After gathering public feedback across 13 districts, the commission submitted a comprehensive report on March 10, 2025, dividing 59 SC sub-groups into three categories: Group 1 - Most Backward (Relli sub-group) – 1.0% reservation, Group 2 - Backward (Madiga sub-groups) – 6.5% reservation, Group 3 - Relatively Less Backward (Mala sub-groups) – 7.5% reservation.

The roster system ensures justice for all groups. For example, if 100 jobs are available, 8 would go to the Mala community, 6 to Madigas, and 1 to Rellis. If 200 jobs are available, 15 would go to Malas, 13 to Madigas, and 2 to Rellis.

However, Naidu pointed out that the Rajeev Ranjan Commission’s recommendations are based on the 2011 census data.

He also said that the previous government failed to allocate funds for backward communities. Despite financial challenges, the NDA government allocated Rs 804 crore for SC welfare, including Rs 240 crore in government grants. From 2014-2019, SC/ST sub-plan funds were adequately distributed based on population proportion.

The SC sub-categorization benefitted over 22,000 people. The previous government, however, failed to secure funds from the National Finance Development Corporation, leaving pending dues.