Telangana Ministers: Denying Dalit Christians SC Status Violates Constitution
Telangana's Scheduled Castes Development and Tribal Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar asserted on Wednesday (July 8, 2026) that granting Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalit Christians is a constitutional right and a matter of social justice, not a concession. Speaking at the Dalit Christian Reservations Consultation meeting in Hyderabad, he argued that conversion changes a person's religion but does not erase the caste-based discrimination, poverty, or social exclusion they face.
Kumar noted that Dalit Christians continue to experience discrimination in villages, educational institutions, workplaces, and even marriage alliances. He questioned the denial of constitutional safeguards on religious grounds, asking, 'If discrimination remains unchanged, why should rights change?' He urged that the issue be viewed through the lens of equality and justice guaranteed by the Constitution.
The Minister assured that the state government, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, is committed to safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities, including Dalit Christians. He said the recommendations and concerns raised during the consultation would be compiled into a report and submitted to the Chief Minister for further action.
Minorities Welfare Minister Md. Azharuddin called for unity, emphasizing that the struggle should not remain limited to meetings and resolutions but must develop into a sustained democratic people's movement. He urged bishops, pastors, Christian organisations, Dalit associations, intellectuals, and youth to work together to strengthen the demand. Azharuddin added that he would ensure the issue receives due attention at the state level and is taken forward in national and parliamentary forums.
Earlier, Osmania University Arts College Principal C. Kasim highlighted the impact of the 1950 Presidential Order, which currently excludes Dalit Christians from SC benefits, and called for a united struggle. The meeting was attended by Telangana State Christian Finance Corporation Chairman Deepak John, former MLC Rajeshwar Rao, and several religious and community leaders.
The 1950 Presidential Order (Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950) originally restricted SC status to Hindus only, later extended to Sikhs and Buddhists, but not to Christians or Muslims. Dalit Christian groups have long argued that this exclusion perpetuates caste discrimination on religious grounds, violating constitutional principles of equality.
