The Dommari, Pichakuntla, and Thammalla communities have appealed to the Telangana Backward Classes (BC) Commission to consider changing their caste names due to social stigma and identity concerns. The requests were presented during the Commission’s visit to the Rajanna Sircilla district on March 26.
The Dommari community, residing in areas like Mahalakshmi Veedi, Vemulawada, and Geethnagar, requested a name change to “Gaade Vamshiyulu,” citing negative perceptions associated with their current designation. Similarly, the Pichakuntla community, who interacted with the Commission at New Urban Colony and Sircilla market yard in Indiranagar, expressed their discomfort with being identified by their caste name in educational and government institutions. They believe a name change would help alleviate embarrassment and improve their social image.
Additionally, the Thammalla community in Vemulawada requested caste certificates explicitly identifying them as “Thammalla” instead of broader classifications like “Shudra” or “Non-Brahmin.” They emphasized that this recognition is crucial for securing work as archakas (temple priests) and other temple-related roles.
In response, BC Commission Chairman G Niranjan assured the communities that their requests would be reviewed next month. He emphasized that the 42 percent reservation for Backward Classes would continue to apply to all castes under the Commission’s purview.
