Hyderabad: The Telangana government approved changes to several BC caste names after reviewing concerns that some existing names carried derogatory meanings. The decision followed recommendations submitted by the State BC Commission.
The Principal Secretary of the BC Welfare Department issued orders implementing the revised BC caste names across different categories listed under the Backward Classes groups.
According to the revised list, the caste name ‘Budabukkala’, listed at number 4 under Group-A, has been changed to ‘Shiva Kshatriya’. The government also removed the term ‘Vannar’ and replaced it with ‘Dhobi’. Officials clarified that the names Rajaka, Chakali, or Dhobi could be used in practice.
Similarly, the caste name ‘Dommara’, listed at number 7, has been renamed as ‘Gada Vamshiya’. The government said the changes were intended to address concerns raised over the usage of certain traditional caste terms.
State revises BC caste names after commission recommendations
The caste name ‘Pichhakuntla’, listed at number 18, has been changed to ‘Vamsharaj’. In another modification, ‘Veerabhhadriya’, listed at number 23, will now be referred to as ‘Veeramushthi, Netti Kotala, Veerabhhadriya’.
Under Group D classifications, the caste name ‘Mera’, listed at number 5, has been changed to ‘Meru’. The government also removed the caste name ‘Shudra’, listed at number 29, and replaced it with ‘Tammali’.
Officials said the revisions were approved after examining representations submitted regarding the dignity and social sensitivity associated with the existing BC caste names. The updated names will now be used in official records and administrative practice.