Andhra Pradesh Govt Reaffirms Commitment to SC Categorization: CM Chandrababu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated in the Assembly that his government remains committed to implementing SC categorization as part of its dedication to social justice. Recalling prominent figures like B. R. Ambedkar, Jagjivan Ram, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, and N. T. Rama Rao, he emphasized that the government is determined to uphold its promise of advancing SC categorization.
During the discussion on the SC categorization proposal in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu mentioned that Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan had also emphasized the necessity of SC categorization. Chandrababu Naidu further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stressed the importance of categorization as part of social justice.
Analyzing the historical reasons behind certain communities being economically, politically, and socially backward, Chandrababu Naidu noted that despite over 70 years of independence, inequalities persist. He referenced a past Supreme Court ruling stating that state governments can categorize castes if they are identified as backward communities.
He affirmed that the NDA alliance had upheld its commitment to categorization as promised during the elections. To address the Budaga Jangam community's issue, the government passed a resolution and forwarded it to the Centre, promising to work towards including them in the SC list once it receives approval.
Chandrababu Naidu reiterated the government's commitment to implementing categorization district-wise and stated that the process would be completed after the 2026 census. He also acknowledged that all parties are dedicated to social justice.
Referring to the agitation led by Manda Krishna Madiga, Chandrababu Naidu explained that the state government had recognized the issues faced by the Madiga community and established the Justice Ramachandra Rao Commission, which recommended categorizing the SCs into four categories. The government issued an ordinance and passed legislation accordingly.
He also highlighted that the Justice Usha Mehra Commission supported the need for categorization, and recently, a seven-member bench led by Justice Chandrachud reinforced this view. Following the R. R. Mishra Commission's recommendations, the government categorized SCs into Group-1, Group-2, and Group-3, with reservations allocated based on population and backwardness.
The Chief Minister detailed the Telugu Desam Party's efforts to eliminate caste-based discrimination, mentioning the issuance of multiple government orders to combat discrimination against SCs in rural areas. He noted that special courts were established to ensure justice for victims.
Chandrababu Naidu reminisced about various welfare schemes implemented for SCs during his tenure as Chief Minister, recalling the contributions of N. T. Rama Rao towards social justice. He also highlighted the appointments of Balayogi as Lok Sabha Speaker and Pratibha Bharati as Assembly Speaker, crediting the TDP for these achievements. He noted that Kaki Madhava Rao was appointed as Chief Secretary under the party’s administration.
He mentioned the significant role played by the Telugu Desam Party in the election of K. R. Narayanan and A. P. J. Abdul Kalam as Presidents of India. Chandrababu Naidu reiterated the NDA alliance’s commitment to social justice and promised continued efforts toward this goal in the future.
The Chief Minister also assured that the issue of not issuing caste certificates to the East Kapus would be resolved. He expressed gratitude to Jana Sena and BJP for their support and announced the launch of the P-Four program in the New Year, aimed at eradicating poverty in society.
Concluding his speech, the Andhra Pradesh government introduced a resolution to include the Budaga Jangam community in the state’s Scheduled Castes list, which the Assembly unanimously approved.