The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has approved a draft ordinance for the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs). This move aims to divide SC reservations in education and government jobs into separate groups.
The decision mirrors a similar step taken by the Telangana government. On Monday, Telangana brought into force the Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservation) Act, 2025. This law follows the Supreme Court’s ruling in August 2024, which allowed the sub-categorisation of SCs.
Speaking after the meeting, Social Welfare Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy said the ordinance would help ensure fair access to education and employment for all Dalit groups. He stated that sub-categorisation was based on population, backwardness, and social factors.
The SCs in Andhra Pradesh will now be grouped into three categories:
- Group I includes 12 sub-castes like Mehtar, Relli, and Pamidi. They will get 1 per cent reservation.
- Group II includes 18 sub-castes such as Madiga, Chamar, Arundhatiya, Dakkal, and Matangi. They are allotted 6.5 per cent reservation.
- Group III has 29 sub-castes including Mala, Mala Dasari, and Mala Jangam, who will receive 7.5 per cent quota.
The ordinance will be implemented across all 26 districts of the state.
Also read: In a first, Telangana implements SC categorisation
The Cabinet also cleared a major investment proposal involving Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The state will allocate 21.16 acres of land to TCS at IT Hills in Visakhapatnam. The land is being given for a nominal price of 99 paisa.
TCS plans to invest ₹1,370 crore in a new facility. This unit is expected to create 12,000 jobs. The government recalled how Prime Minister Narendra Modi had offered similar land deals in Gujarat, especially for Tata Motors in Sanand. That move had helped transform the auto industry in that state.
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet also approved the Minor Minerals Policy 2025. The aim is to increase production, attract investment, and ensure sustainable mining practices. The policy also focuses on transparency and stable revenue for the state.
Another important move is the transformation of the Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) into a public limited company. This step is intended to boost financial strength and improve credit ratings. Four new officials will be added as shareholders. The corporation will be allowed to issue ₹9,000 crore worth of bonds.
Finally, the Cabinet gave approval to the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) to move forward with key infrastructure projects. The commissioner has been given authority to finalise bids for constructing the new Legislative Assembly building at a cost of ₹617.33 crore, and the new High Court building at ₹786.05 crore.
These decisions reflect the Naidu government's focus on social equity, job creation, investment promotion, and infrastructure development.
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