Categorisation Of Scheduled Caste (SC)

The categorisation of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities into three groups in Telangana will come into effect on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary is on 14 April,2025.

Basis of Categorisation

Backwardness-Based Division: Sub-categorisation was based on levels of backwardness among SC groups.
Recommendations by Commission:
- The decision was guided by the Justice Shameem Akhter Commission (a one-man commission).
- The Commission conducted a detailed study and received over 8,600 representations from various stakeholders.
Formation of Groups

Group	Description	Number of Sub-castes	% of SC Population	Reservation Allocated
Group 1	Most backward among SCs	15	3.288%	1%
Group 2	Marginally benefitted SCs	18	62.74%	9%
Group 3	Relatively forward among SCs	26	33.96%	5%

Scheduled Caste

Definition: Scheduled Castes (SCs) are communities that are historically disadvantaged and were subjected to untouchability and social discrimination.
Constitutional Basis: Under Article 341(1), the President of India specifies the castes deemed as Scheduled Castes for each State and Union Territory.
Parliamentary Power: Article 341(2) empowers Parliament to include or exclude castes from the SC list through legislation.

About Subclassification

Subclassifications refer to dividing a broader reserved category, like Scheduled Castes (SCs), into smaller groups based on their varying levels of social and economic backwardness to ensure fair distribution of benefits.
Need for Subclassification: Subclassification is necessary because benefits of reservation often disproportionately reach relatively advanced sub-castes, leaving the most marginalized among SCs still deprived.
For example among Other Backward Classes (OBCs), individuals earning above a certain income threshold are termed as “Creamy Layer” and are excluded from reservation, ensuring that benefits reach the truly disadvantaged “Non-Creamy Layer.”

Arguments in Favour	Arguments Against
Equitable Distribution: Ensures that the most marginalized within SCs benefit from reservations, not just the relatively advanced groups.	Fragmentation Risk: May divide the Scheduled Castes, weakening their collective political and social strength.
Promotes Substantive Equality: Moves beyond formal equality to achieve real social justice based on actual needs.	Deviation from Homogeneity Principle: Scheduled Castes were recognized as a homogenous group under Article 341; subclassification could undermine this basis.
Addresses Historical Injustice: Recognizes layered discrimination and ensures targeted affirmative action for the most disadvantaged.	Administrative Complexity: Adds complexity in identifying sub-groups, collecting reliable data, and monitoring implementation.
Judicial Endorsement: Recent Supreme Court decisions (2024-25) allow subclassification if data-driven and justified.	Potential for Political Misuse: Subclassification might be influenced by political pressures rather than genuine social backwardness.
Learning from OBC Model: The “creamy layer” concept among OBCs has helped reservations reach the truly needy.	Legal Uncertainty: Continuous litigation and lack of clear criteria could delay or derail the process.
Dynamic Response to Change: Allows updating the reservation policy based on evolving socio-economic realities within SCs.	Fear of Reduced Benefits: Some sub-castes may fear losing access to benefits they currently enjoy.

Supreme Court Decision on Sub-Classification of Scheduled Castes

E.V. Chinnaiah Case (2005): Held that SCs under Article 341 formed a homogenous group and could not be sub-categorised.
Davinder Singh Case (2014): Referred the issue for reconsideration to a 5-judge Constitution Bench.
Supreme Court 2020 Ruling: A 5-judge Bench found that the E.V. Chinnaiah judgment requires reconsideration.
7-Judge Constitution Bench (2024-25):
- Affirmed that sub-classification of SCs is permissible to achieve substantive equality.
- State’s Power: States can sub-classify SCs based on inadequate representation due to social and educational backwardness.
- Judicial Review: Any categorisation must be data-driven and is subject to judicial scrutiny.
- Creamy Layer: Four judges suggested applying a “creamy layer” principle to SCs, though no binding direction was issued.

Constitutional Provisions Related to SCs and Reservations

Article 14: Guarantees equality before the law.
Article 15(4): Permits special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, including SCs.
Article 16(1): Ensures equal opportunity in public employment.
Article 16(4): Allows reservation in public employment for backward classes.
Article 341(1): Authorises the President to notify Scheduled Castes.
Article 341(2): Grants Parliament the power to modify the SC list.
Article 246: Deals with the subject matter of laws made by Parliament and State Legislatures, relevant post-identification of SCs.

Way Forward

A commission similar to the G. Rohini Commission (for OBC sub-categorisation) could be established.
The goal must be to address internal disparities among SC groups while preserving community unity and collective strength.
Policymakers must engage with SC community representatives, legal experts, and social scientists for better understanding of the categorisation.

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