Adluri Lakshman Kumar Backs SC Status Demand For Dalit Christians

Telangana Social Welfare Minister Adluri Lakshman Kumar on Wednesday backed the demand for Scheduled Caste (SC) status for Dalit Christians during a consultation meeting in Hyderabad. Speaking at the event, the minister criticized the Union government for delaying its decision on the matter, calling it a constitutional issue linked directly to social justice and equality.

The consultation meeting was also attended by Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin. Addressing the gathering, Lakshman Kumar argued that while conversion changes an individual's religion, it does not eliminate the caste-based discrimination or socio-economic disadvantages they face. He asked, “If discrimination remains unchanged, why should rights change?” and urged that the issue be viewed through the lens of social justice rather than religion alone.

According to the Social Welfare Minister, Dalit Christians continue to experience exclusion in villages, workplaces, educational institutions, and marriage alliances even after their conversion. He remarked, “Postponing justice is, in effect, denying justice,” and called for constitutional measures to extend SC status based on prevailing social conditions.

Lakshman Kumar emphasized that the Telangana state government, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, remains committed to supporting marginalized communities. Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, he stated that the focus was on ensuring justice for communities facing discrimination. He announced that the inputs and feedback gathered during the consultation meeting will be compiled into a report and submitted to the Chief Minister.

During the meeting, the Telangana Christian Joint Action Committee submitted a memorandum to the ministers. The memorandum requested the removal of religion-based restrictions currently present in the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. It also urged the state government to pass a resolution, request the central government to introduce legislation, conduct socio-economic studies, and strengthen welfare measures for the community.

Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin assured the attendees that the issue would be taken up with the central government. He stated that the matter would be raised with Union ministers, including Kiren Rijiju.