HYDERABAD: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy reaffirmed the Congress government’s commitment to social justice, pledging to implement Scheduled Castes (SC) categorisation and introduce 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs). He stated that the state government had received multiple requests for increasing the reservation percentage for SCs and assured that this demand would be considered based on the findings of the next Census, expected in 2026.
Speaking at the massive public meeting ‘Chalo Tungaturthi’ at Tirumalagiri in Suryapet district on Sunday, Uttam Kumar Reddy praised the Congress government’s decision to implement SC categorisation and introduce a Bill in the Assembly to provide 42% BC reservation. This decision is based on the recently completed caste-based socio-economic survey.
The event was attended by several key leaders, including District Incharge Minister Tummala Nageshwara Rao, former Minister R Damodar Reddy, Suryapet DCC President Cheviti Venkanna Yadav, Tungaturthi MLA Mandula Samuel, MLAs Vemula Veeresham and Lakshmikanth, MLC Shankar Naik, and MPs Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy and Raghuveera Reddy.
Introduction of Key Bills
Uttam Kumar Reddy announced that the Telangana government would introduce three crucial Bills during the ongoing budget session of the Assembly.
- The first Bill aims to implement a 42% BC reservation in education and employment.
- The second Bill extends the same BC quota to local bodies.
- The third Bill focuses on SC sub-categorisation, ensuring sub-quotas for 59 SC sub-castes within the existing 15% SC reservation.
The SC Sub-Categorisation Bill is set for discussion on March 17, while the BC reservation and caste survey findings will be deliberated on March 18.
Congress’ Long-Standing Commitment to SC Categorisation
Reiterating the Congress Party’s dedication to SC categorisation, Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted that the party had consistently supported this reform since the time of undivided Andhra Pradesh. Under his leadership, a sub-committee was formed to study the issue, and a one-man judicial commission led by Justice Shameem Akhtar was established to provide recommendations.
“The Congress government, under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, is implementing SC categorisation in line with the judicial commission’s report. This session, we are taking concrete steps to turn it into a reality,” he said.
He also confirmed that the government had received multiple representations seeking an increase in SC reservations, which would be reviewed based on the 2026 Census findings.
Caste-Based Socio-Economic Survey
The minister lauded the Congress government for successfully conducting Telangana’s first caste-based socio-economic survey since 1931. He emphasized that the survey was conducted with full transparency, covering all communities and involving over 1.03 lakh government employees. Additionally, 76,000 data entry operators were deployed to process the findings, making the ₹160 crore survey a landmark initiative.
“Despite false propaganda by certain groups, this survey was carried out in a meticulous and scientific manner. It is a major milestone in achieving social justice,” he said, urging people to disregard misinformation.
Development Promises for Tungaturthi
As a native of Tungaturthi, Uttam Kumar Reddy assured the public that the region would be transformed into a model constituency. He announced that the government would take up pending irrigation projects in Suryapet district, including the modernisation and completion of canals.
Additionally, he pledged to:
- Ensure Tungaturthi receives water from SRSP Stage-2 and the Devadula project, benefiting thousands of farmers.
- Implement measures to bring Godavari and Musi River waters to Tungaturthi.
- Provide ration cards to all eligible beneficiaries.
- Supply fine-quality rice to all ration card holders.
Uttam Kumar Reddy credited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for ensuring the implementation of SC categorisation and the caste survey, reaffirming the party’s commitment to uplifting marginalised communities.
