Hyderabad, Sep 26 (PTI) Fulfilling an election promise, the Congress government in Telangana on Friday issued an order to provide 42 per cent reservation to Backward Classes in local bodies.
The Government Order (GO) said Article 243 D (6) of the Constitution empowers the state to make any provision for reservation of seats in any Panchayat or offices of Chaipersons in the Panchyats at any level or in favour of Backward Classes of citizens.
It said the government conducted the Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political and Caste (SEEEPC) survey which has thrown light on the relative economic, social, educational, employment and political status of different castes in the state.
The One Man Commission, appointed by the state government for analysing the empirical data of the SEEEPC survey and other relevant data for recommending percentage of reservations for BCs in local bodies, suggested at least 42 per cent quota in political representation, particularly in local bodies, the GO said.
After careful consideration of the Commission’s recommendations and in view of the BC population and their inadequate political representation, the government concluded that it was necessary to revise the existing level of reservation in local bodies to 42 per cent for their welfare and advancement, it said.
Accordingly, the Bill to provide a 42 per cent quota to BCs in local bodies was passed in the assembly (earlier this year), it said.
The GO said the government is extending a 42 per cent quota to BCs after considering the “exceptional situation in Telangana marked by the multi-dimensional backwardness” of Backward Classes in terms of social and political indicators.
It further explained that the 42 per cent quota is provided in exercise of the powers conferred under the Constitution and based on empirical evidence, legislative sanction, and judicial recognition, and in view of the urgent necessity to ensure the welfare, empowerment and full participation of Backward Classes.
“… to uphold the Constitutional vision of equality, social justice and inclusive growth, (government) hereby order to provide 42 per cent reservation of the seats and positions in local bodies to Backward Classes in the state of Telangana,” the GO said.
The state legislature had passed two Bills in March this year to enhance BC reservation to 42 per cent in education, employment, and local bodies.
The Bills were forwarded to the Governor and are currently awaiting Presidential assent.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on August 6 led a protest at the Jantar Mantar in Delhi demanding Presidential assent to the BC reservation Bills and alleged that the BJP-led central government was stalling them as it was “anti-OBC”.
The ruling Congress had promised before the 2023 assembly polls to provide 42 per cent reservation to the BCs. Earlier they were given 23 per cent. PTI SJR GDK SJR KH
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