Andhra Pradesh to implement SC categorisation: Chief minister Naidu

Vijayawada: The state govt is set to implement SC categorisation by taking each district as a unit, based on the population of each sub-caste within the SCs in that district.

Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with SC MLAs of the NDA alliance to discuss the plan for implementing the categorisation and to gather feedback on the proposals.

Naidu stated that the TDP is committed to SC categorisation, as it was promised in the election manifesto. With the Supreme Court upholding the validity of categorisation and some states already beginning to implement it, Naidu assured that SC categorisation would soon be implemented in Andhra Pradesh.

The CM observed that all sub-castes within the SCs should receive equal opportunities, which is why districts are being taken as units instead of the state as a whole. Since some sub-castes are concentrated in specific areas across the state, the population ratio of each district should be considered rather than the overall population of that caste in the entire state, Naidu explained.

Naidu emphasised that TDP has always supported Dalits and reminded the MLAs of efforts to eradicate social evils like untouchability through the Justice Punnaiah Commission. After 2014, funds were allocated to Dalits based on population ratios through GO Number 25.

The MLAs recalled the implementation of various programmes, including Best Available Schools, in 2014. They mentioned the construction of cement roads in every Dalit area under the “Chandranna Baata” initiative. However, they expressed concerns that no roads or toilets were constructed in Dalit areas in the past five years. MLAs highlighted the construction of numerous toilets in Dalit households to uphold women’s dignity.

Naidu mentioned that the govt is considering special plans for the comprehensive development of the Dalit community over the next five years. He noted that out of 29 SC seats in the recent elections, people elected NDA candidates in 27 constituencies.

Courtesy : TOI

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