Andhra Pradesh Requests Union Government to Add Boyas to ST List, Limited to Rayalaseema Region Only

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly has passed a resolution urging the Indian government to include the Boya or Valmiki community from the state’s Rayalaseema region in the list of Scheduled Tribes (ST). The resolution seeks to add Boyas from the former Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur and Chittoor districts to the ST list, where they are currently only classified as such in areas falling under the Integrated Tribal Development Agency. The move contradicts the community’s demand for uniform ST status throughout the state. The resolution was in line with Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s promise to the Boya community during his 2019 election campaign. However, members of the community expressed disappointment at the partial fulfilment of the promise, which creates regional classification for the community. The final decision rests with the President.