Revanth Reddy advocates for SC categorisation at Global Madiga Day-2024

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy reaffirmed the Congress government's commitment to SC sub-categorisation as directed by the Supreme Court. The one-man judicial commission appointed by the state government to study the issue is expected to submit its report within a week, after which the government will take an appropriate decision, he said.

Addressing a Global Madiga Day 2024 event here on Saturday, Revanth Reddy said that AICC leader Rahul Gandhi had made a clear promise during the elections on taking a positive decision for the benefit of the Madiga community. He said that the party had outlined its clear stance on this issue in the SC and ST declaration during Assembly elections.

Reddy pointed out that soon after assuming power, the Congress government had appointed legal experts under the leadership of minister Damodar Rajanarsimha to present strong arguments in the SC sub-categorisation case that was then pending before the Supreme Court.

The state government played a crucial role in ensuring the pronouncement of the apex court's judgment in favour of SC categorisation.

"The SC categorisation issue is as complex as the demand for statehood for Telangana. However, the government will take a decision that respects the aspirations of the people. Your argument has merit, and it is the government's goal to ensure justice for the community," he assured the gathering.

The Chief Minister informed that a Cabinet sub-committee, headed by minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, has been constituted to study the implementation of the Supreme Court orders and ensure it was done without legal hurdles. Additionally, a judicial commission was formed with a mandate to submit its report within 60 days. It is likely to submit its findings within a week, he added.

To ensure proper representation of the Madiga community in governance, the Chief Minister spoke of the steps taken by his government towards that. Dr Sangeeta has been appointed as joint secretary in the Chief Minister's Office and Prof. Kumar Molugaram, a distinguished scholar from the Madiga community, is now Vice Chancellor of Osmania University, marking the first time in the varsity’s 100-year history that it is headed by a member of this community.

In addition, the government provided ample opportunities in higher education. A member of the Madiga community has been appointed as Vice Chancellor of an IIT and as a member of the education commission in the higher education department, while Pagidi Pati Devaiah has been nominated as director of the Skill University board. Reddy stressed that these measures were implemented even before specific demands were made.

"The government will ensure justice and fairness to the community. It may take time, but we will not fail in our responsibility to deliver what is due," he said.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the Madiga community's significant role in his political career. "It is my responsibility to ensure justice for the Madiga community through this government," he said