*Hyderabad | July 8, 2025
The Telangana government is poised to reinclude 26 caste groups previously dropped from the Backward Classes (BC) list. This marks a significant policy reversal after the Telangana BC Commission completed three days of public hearings on the matter.
Background & Legal Framework
- When Telangana was formed in 2014, the BC list was trimmed from 138 to *112 castes, excluding 26 communities cited in **GO No. 3 (August 2014). An attempt to restore all 138 castes via *GO No. 16 (March 2015) did not reinstate the entire 26 due to legal interpretations
- Many of the affected groups filed petitions in the Supreme Court, challenging their exclusion and demanding representation
Public Hearings & Representations
- From *June 9–11, the BC Commission conducted open hearings in **Khairatabad, examining *133 submissions from groups including Pondara, Settibalija, Koppulavelama, Polnativelama, and Kalinga
- Officials like AP MLA Koona Ravi Kumar and local caste associations made a strong case for reinstatement. However, representatives from existing BC-A groups opposed the move, citing concerns over dilution of reservations
What Happens Next?
- The Commission will submit its recommendation report to the Telangana government and the Supreme Court, expected soon
- If the report favors reinstatement, the government may officially restore BC status, signaling a major shift ahead of impending local polls and policy reforms.
- However, resistance from current BC communities may trigger further legal or political discourse.
Political & Social Implications
- Reintegration could impact BC reservation dynamics in education, employment, and local governance in Telangana.
- BC activists and political leaders are closely monitoring the process, hinting at readiness for social justice campaigns to preserve equitable rights
- Congress MP B. Mahesh Kumar Goud recently urged all BC groups to unite in pushing for the 42% BC quota bill, reflecting broader political alignment on caste representation
Key Takeaways
- 26 castes excluded in 2014 may be reinstated after public hearings.
- A final report will be submitted to authorities and the Supreme Court.
- Reinclusion may reshape reservation benefits and social justice outcomes.
- Strong reaction expected from existing and new BC factions.