Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Approved Draft SC Sub-Categorisation Ordinance

In a major step towards equitable distribution of reservation benefits among Scheduled Castes (SCs), the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved a draft ordinance to implement sub-categorisation of SCs in the state. The move is rooted in the principle of “reservation within reservation”, aimed at distributing quota benefits based on degree of backwardness among SC sub-castes. This ordinance follows the Supreme Court’s allowance for states to sub-classify SCs and is based on the recommendations of a commission headed by retired IAS officer Rajeev Ranjan Mishra.

Key Highlights of the Ordinance

• Approved By: Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on April 15, 2025
• Purpose: To implement sub-categorisation of SCs for fairer reservation distribution
• Initiated by: TDP-led NDA government
• Legal Backing: Enabled after a Supreme Court verdict allowed such state-level classification
• Commission Setup: November 15, 2024, under Rajeev Ranjan Mishra (Retd. IAS)
• Public Consultations: Conducted across 13 (now 26) districts of AP
• Legislative Approval: Unanimously adopted in both the Legislative Council and Assembly

Purpose of SC Sub-Categorisation

• To provide reservation benefits based on numerical strength, social and economic condition of each SC sub-caste.
• Address concerns of underrepresentation of some communities (e.g. Madigas) within the SC quota.
• Counter the alleged dominance of certain SC groups (e.g. Malas) in availing reservation benefits.
• Backed by the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS) and other backward class advocacy groups.

Rajeev Ranjan Mishra Commission’s Recommendations

• The commission proposed dividing the 59 Scheduled Castes into three categories based on their relative backwardness,

Group 1: Most Backward (Relli sub-group)

• Includes sub-castes like: Bavuri, Chachati, Chandala, Dandasi, Dom, Ghasi, Godagali, Mehtar, Paki, Pamidi, Relli, Sapru
• Quota Allocation: 1.0%

Group 2: Backward (Madiga sub-groups)

• Includes:Arundhatiya, Bindala, Chamar, Chambhar, Dakkal, Dhor, Godari, Gosangi, Jaggali, Jambuvulu, Kolupulavandlu, Madiga, Madiga Dasu, Mang, Mang Garodi, Matangi, Samagara, Sindholu
• Quota Allocation: 6.5%

Group 3: Less Backward (Mala sub-groups)

• Includes: Adi Dravida, Anamuk, Arayamala, Arvamala, Bariki, Byagara, Chalavadi, Yellamalavar, Holeya, Holeya Dasari, Madasi Kuruva, Mahar, Mala, Mala Dasari, Mala Dasu, Mala Hannai, Mala Jangam, Mala Masti, Mala Sale, Mala Sanyasi, Manne, Mundala, Samban, Yatala, Valluvan, Adi Andhra, Masti, Mitta Ayyalavar, Panchama
• Quota Allocation: 7.5%

Expected Benefits

• Ensures equitable distribution of reservation benefits
• Promotes inclusive development across all SC sub-castes

Provides better representation in,

• Education
• Government Jobs
• Local Bodies
• Politics and Civil Society