HYDERABAD: In a landmark move, Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha introduced the Scheduled Castes (SC) Categorization Rationalization Bill in the Telangana Assembly on Tuesday, emphasizing the Congress party’s unwavering commitment to social justice.
During his address, Rajanarsimha highlighted the historical decision taken by the government concerning SC categorization. He lauded figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Babu Jagjivan Ram as inspirations for the youth and noted that February 4 has been declared as Social Justice Day.
The minister pointed out that the traditional four-tier caste system evolved into a fifth category, leading to untouchability and discrimination. He cited Mahatma Gandhi’s concerns about the caste system weakening India and praised leaders like Gandhi, Ambedkar, and Phule for their fight against social injustice.
Rajanarsimha emphasized that reservations were introduced to eliminate discrimination and stressed the need for equitable distribution of their benefits. He mentioned that the Lokur Committee first recommended SC categorization in 1965 and that Punjab was among the initial states to implement it.
