♦ The Andhra Pradesh government issued an ordinance to implement sub categorization among Scheduled Castes (SC) on 17 April 2025.

♦ The aim is to ensure equal growth among all SC communities.

♦ This step followed a bill passed in both Assembly and Legislative Council. The Governor approved the bill. The ordinance helps in quick implementation of the law.

♦ As part of the initiative, the 59 Scheduled Castes in the State had been classified into three categories based on their population, backwardness, and social cohesion.

♦The percentage of reservation for each of these three categories had also been determined.

♦ The 12 sub-castes in Group-I having 1% reservation were Bavuri; Chachati; Chandala; Dandasi; Dom (Dombara, Paidi, Pano); Ghasi (Haddi, Relli Chachandi); Godagali (Godagula); Mehtar; Paky (Moti, Thoti); Pamidi; Relli; and Sapru.

♦ Similarly, 18 sub-castes in Group-II having 6.5% reservation were Arundhatiya; Bindla; Chamar (Mochi, Muchi, Chamar-Ravindas, Chamar-Rohidas); Chambhar; Dakkal (Dokkalwar); Dhor; Godari; Gosangi; Jaggali; Jambuvulu; Kolupulavandlu (Pambada, Pambanda, Pambala); Madiga; Madiga Dasu (Mashteen); Mang; Mang Garodi; Matangi; Samagara; and Sindhollu (Chindollu).

♦ There were 29 sub-castes in Group-III having 7.5% reservation, and they included Adi Dravida; Anamuk; Araya Mala; Arwa Mala: Bariki; Byagara (Byagari); Chalavadi; Ellamalawar (Yellammalawandlu); Holeya; Holeya Dasari; Madasi Kuruva (Madari Kuruva); Mahar; Mala (Mala Ayawaru); Mala Dasari, Mala Dasu; Mala Hannai; Malajangam; Mala Masti; Mala Sale (Netkani); Mala Sanyasi; Manne; Mundala; Samban; Yatala; Valluvan; Adi Andhra; Mashti; Mitha Ayyalvar; and Panchama (Pariah).