Will Telangana Raise the Backward Classes Quota to 42% in Local Bodies?
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Synopsis
The Telangana Cabinet has taken a decisive step to enhance Backward Classes reservation in local bodies to 42%, fulfilling a major electoral promise. This move comes after a significant reduction in the quota by the previous government, aiming to empower a crucial community ahead of upcoming local elections.
Key Takeaways
- Telangana Cabinet to issue ordinance for 42% BC reservation.
- Local body elections to follow the new quota.
- Previous BRS government reduced BC quota from 34% to 23%.
- Cabinet aims to fulfill promises made during 2023 elections.
- New private universities approved: Amity University and Saint Mary Rehabilitation University.
Hyderabad, July 10 (NationPress) The Telangana Cabinet convened on Thursday and made a significant decision to issue an ordinance aimed at enhancing the reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local bodies to 42 percent within the state.
The meeting, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, concluded with a resolution to conduct local body elections following the adjustment of reservation for BCs.
During a media briefing, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy disclosed that the ordinance will amend the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018, thereby increasing the BC reservations to 42 percent for the upcoming local body elections.
He emphasized that this initiative marks the fulfillment of a significant commitment made to BCs during the 2023 Assembly elections by the Congress government.
Previously, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government had decreased the BC quota from 34 percent to 23 percent when it implemented the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act in 2018.
Currently, the Act limits total reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and BCs in local bodies to 50 percent, complying with Supreme Court rulings.
The Minister also mentioned that in March, the Assembly passed two Bills to elevate reservations for BCs in education, jobs, and local bodies to 42 percent, based on the caste census conducted in the state, which were forwarded to the Centre for presidential assent.
Srinivas Reddy pointed out that despite several discussions with the Centre, resolution on this matter has been delayed.
He added that the Advocate General participated in Thursday's Cabinet meeting to provide legal insights, leading to the decision to proceed with local body elections featuring 42 percent reservation for BCs.
The Cabinet also acknowledged a recent directive from the Telangana High Court mandating that local body elections be conducted within three months, urging the state government to finalize reservations by the end of July.
According to the Minister, following the Supreme Court's directives, the state government formed a dedicated Commission for BCs and conducted a caste census, which was instrumental in the Assembly's decision to pass Bills aimed at increasing the BC quota.
The state Cabinet agreed to undertake further actions to achieve the 42 percent reservation for BCs based on available empirical data.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the establishment of two private universities: Amity University and Saint Mary Rehabilitation University.
Point of View
The decision by the Telangana government to raise the reservation for Backward Classes to 42% is an important step towards inclusivity. It reflects a commitment to addressing historical injustices and empowering marginalized communities. While the legal implications and political ramifications will need careful navigation, this initiative demonstrates a significant shift in policy direction that could influence similar movements in other states.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current reservation for Backward Classes in Telangana?
The current reservation for Backward Classes in Telangana is set at 23%, following a reduction by the previous government.
Why is the Telangana government increasing the BC quota?
The Telangana government is increasing the BC quota to fulfill a major promise made to the community during the 2023 Assembly elections.
What does the recent ordinance entail?
The ordinance will amend the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act to raise the reservation for Backward Classes in local bodies to 42%.
What was the previous quota for BCs before this decision?
The previous quota for Backward Classes was reduced from 34% to 23% by the earlier government.
How does this decision align with Supreme Court directives?
The decision to raise the reservation for BCs aligns with Supreme Court rulings that cap total reservations in local bodies at 50%.
