Hyderabad – In a significant move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the establishment of a committee to deliberate on the demand for sub-categorization of scheduled castes (SC). The announcement was made during his second public address within a week in Telangana, which is gearing up for assembly elections on November 30.
This long-standing appeal, primarily championed by the Madiga community in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, has national implications, thrusting the spotlight onto the intricate dynamics of reservations and the concept of the creamy layer. The Madiga community, constituting almost half of the SC population in Telangana, advocates for distinct quotas, contending that the benefits of reservation have disproportionately favored other SC groups.
PM Modi acknowledged the non-violent agitation by the Madiga community spanning three decades and criticized opposition parties, labeling them as anti-Dalit. He specifically targeted Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, highlighting instances that, according to Modi, demonstrated a lack of support for suppressed communities.
During the rally organized by the Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti in Secunderabad, Modi pledged to rectify historical injustices and expressed his commitment to social justice. He assured the formation of a committee to address the justified demand for sub-categorization and acknowledged the ongoing court battle on the issue.
The sub-categorization debate has seen opposition from several states, as disclosed in September’s Rajya Sabha session, where 13 out of 20 states and two Union territories opposed the move. The matter is also pending in the Supreme Court, where a bench is expected to hear the case challenging the validity of sub-categorization.
PM Modi’s proactive stance on this matter aligns with his emphasis on social justice and commitment to addressing the grievances of the Madiga community, making this development a focal point in the ongoing political landscape.
