MRPS announces cultural demonstration on Feb 7 seeking reservations

The Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS) announced a huge cultural demonstration in Hyderabad on February 7, demanding the immediate implementation of the Scheduled Caste (SC) reservation classification. The event Vela Gonthulu- Lakshala Dappulu intends to mobilise hundreds of participants to join in the agitation to implement the subclassification reservation.

Manda Krishna Madiga, founder and president of MRPS, expressed concern that despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, some groups were obstructing the classification process–which is essential for ensuring equitable benefits for all underrepresented SC communities. 

On August 1, 2024, the Supreme Court affirmed the States’ right to sub-categorise Scheduled Castes listed in the Presidential List to provide them with greater preferential treatment in public employment and education.

A seven-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Chandrachud, by a majority of 6:1, set aside the apex court’s five-judge bench verdict of 2004 in the EV Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh case which had held that no sub-classification of SCs can be allowed as they are a homogeneous class in themselves.

Ahead of the event, the MRPS held a roundtable meeting with student leaders from Osmania University last week. At the meeting, the MRPS leader reiterated the need to swiftly implement the reservation of the underrepresented communities. 

MRPS has been advocating for SC reservation classification since 1994. It was established in Edumudi village, Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. Its sole aim was implementing internal reservations–which will enhance access to education, employment, and welfare programs for marginalized communities within the SC category.