Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced the formation of a new committee to address Scheduled Castes (SC) categorization during a public meeting organized by the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS). Telangana BJP president and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy clarified that this committee would function as a task force dedicated to legally pursuing the matter in the Supreme Court, engaging with relevant stakeholders, and ensuring a prompt implementation process.
Reddy emphasized that the task force’s primary focus would be to monitor the legal progress of the case in the apex court on a daily basis. Notably, this marks the first instance of the central government undertaking SC categorization. Reddy criticized other political parties for making unnecessary comments about the formation of another committee, asserting that the committee’s role is clearly defined.
The Solicitor General had previously submitted the issue to the Supreme Court, leading to the formation of a seven-member bench to examine SC categorization. Notices have been issued to all concerned parties for a hearing on December 14. Reddy highlighted the Supreme Court’s prior conflicting judgments on the matter.
Accusing other political parties, particularly the Congress, of procrastinating on the three-decade-long issue, Reddy commended Modi for addressing the MRPS meeting and expressing support for the cause. Reddy stressed that the SC categorization is aimed at promoting social harmony and not targeting any specific group.
Reddy detailed the steps taken by the Central government, including a meeting with MRPS founder Manda Krishna Madiga and intellectuals from the community during Modi’s visit to Warangal. Following this meeting, a delegation met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, leading to the Central government’s petition in the Supreme Court to expedite the categorization issue.
Highlighting the historical context, Reddy mentioned that the UPA government under Manmohan Singh had formed the Usha Mehra committee, but no action was taken. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s promise to lead an all-party delegation to press the issue at the Center remained unfulfilled. Reddy expressed confidence in Modi’s commitment, stating that when the Prime Minister decides on something, it gets done.
In addition to monitoring the legal proceedings, the proposed task force will have the authority to take further legal steps to ensure the effective implementation of SC categorization. Reddy noted that the first committee addressing this issue was established during Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s tenure.
