Cabinet clears BC Commission proposal to remove derogatory caste names in Telangana
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Cabinet on May 4, 2026 approved key recommendations of the State Commission for Backward Classes (BC Commission), including changes to caste names considered derogatory and identification of nomadic communities for Central welfare schemes.
The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting held on May 4, 2026, with the Commission stating that the move would address long-standing concerns of social stigma among several communities.
Changes follow district tours and public hearings
The BC Commission said it conducted district-wide tours in October and November 2024 after assuming office in September 2024. Public hearings were held to assess the conditions of backward classes.
During these interactions, several communities raised concerns about humiliation linked to caste names and sought changes. The Commission examined these requests, invited objections through a press release, and reviewed them before making recommendations to the government.
Key caste name revisions approved by Cabinet
The Cabinet approved the following changes recommended by the Commission:
- “Dommara” to be renamed “Gadavanshiya”
- Removal of “Pichchiguntla” from the BC list, retaining “Vamsharaj”
- Removal of the term “Shudra caste” associated with “Tammali”
- Addition of “Shivakshatriya” as a synonym for “Budabukkala”
- Inclusion of “Dhobi” as a synonym for “Chakali”
- Inclusion of “Meru” as a synonym for “Mera”
- Reordering of “Veerabhadriya” caste and associated groups “Veeramushti” and “Nethikothala”
Nomadic communities identified for SEED scheme
On Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), the Commission conducted a study following a request from the Central government’s DNT Board.
It identified 49 castes in the BC-A group and two castes in Group-E as nomadic communities eligible for schemes such as the SEED programme.
The Commission also recommended changes to caste certificates to identify beneficiaries as nomadic communities. It proposed that certificates be issued through the Revenue Divisional Officer to prevent misuse.
To ensure effective implementation of the SEED scheme, the Commission suggested appointing the Most Backward Classes (MBC) Corporation or another agency as the state-level nodal body.
Dedicated list to aid targeted welfare programmes
The Commission said a dedicated list of nomadic communities would help both State and Central governments design targeted welfare and development programmes.
According to a recent caste survey, the population of these communities in Telangana is estimated at 18,94,966.
BC Commission chairman G Niranjan and members Rapolu Jayaprakash, Tirumalagiri Surender and Balalakshmi Rangu expressed satisfaction over the government accepting the recommendations aimed at welfare of nomadic and marginalised communities.
