HYDERABAD: The TDP government, which had supported SC categorisation during its earlier stint, now seems to have made up its mind to drop the proposal in the reorganised State.
The reason appears to be simple. In the truncated AP, Madigas are outnumbered by Malas.
Strengthening this argument, Social Welfare Minister Kishore Babu indicated that the implementation of SC categorisation would take more time as the issue is now in Centre’s court.
Further, the government on Friday issued a GO amending the earlier GO 183, issued in 1997 by the then TDP government, which had made it mandatory for the government to implement welfare schemes in accordance with the population ratio of SCs in the State.
As per the new GO, henceforth economic support schemes for SCs will be extended based on the percentage of population of sub-castes in SCs by taking district as a unit.
Speaking to reporters at the secretariat here on Friday, Ravela Kishore Babu said, “Since SC categorisation needs amendment to the Constitution, the State has no role in it.”
Further it is learnt that, since the population of Madigas is very less when compared to that of Malas in the truncated State, and with the latter opposing the categorisation of SCs, it has become almost difficult for the AP government to pursue the case.
According to the minister, as per the 2011 census, the population of SCs in the reorganised AP is about 84.69 lakh. Of them Malas and other sub-castes are 42 lakh whereas Madigas and other sub-castes are 38 lakh.
East Godavari has the highest population of Malas with 6,47,571 and lowest in Anantapur district with 73,525. Anantapur has the highest population of Madigas with 4,75,632 and Srikakulam district lowest with 29,764.
According to official sources, keeping in view of the new scenario, the State government almost decided to drop the proposal of SC categorisation. “SC categorisation proposal has almost been dropped. We don’t see it coming in the near future,” said a senior official.
“With Malas, who are relatively well-placed in terms of economic and social status compared with Madigas, opposing the SC categorisation, it has become difficult for the government to take immediate decision on the issue,” said sources.