Telangana orders 42% reservation for Backward Classes in local bodies

According to the Government Order, it was issued as per Article 40, 243D(6), 243T(6) of the Constitution.

“Government after careful examination and considering the exceptional situation in Telangana marked by the multi-dimensional backwardness of Backward Classes in terms of social and political indicators, and 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, and to uphold the Constitutional vision of equality, social justice and inclusive growth, hereby order to provide 42% reservation of the seats and positions in Local Bodies to Backward Classes in the state of Telangana,” the order said.

With this order, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s Congress government in Telangana has fulfilled an election promise made through the Kamareddy Declaration. The order comes just days before September 30 — the day the High Court has asked the state government to conduct local body polls. A government source said, “The government has exhausted all means to give political reservation for the BCs.”

In November 2024, the state government had set up a dedicated commission to “conduct a contemporaneous rigorous empirical enquiry into the nature and implications of the backwardness” of BCs. The commission, headed by B Venkateshwara Rao, a retired IAS officer, recommended at least 42% reservation for BCs in rural and urban local bodies.

Meanwhile, the state had also conducted a household caste survey titled Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political and Caste (SEEEP) survey. It found that 56.33% of the state’s population come under the Backward Classes.

“Telangana government has been clear about the fact that BC reservation should come into existence before the local body polls,” a top government official said.

The Congress has been under fire for not providing reservation for BCs from both Opposition parties in the state — the BRS and the BJP.

From the homepage

Drama in Leh: Right before he could address press conference, Sonam Wangchuk detained

Amid walkouts, Netanyahu says Israel ‘must finish job in Gaza’, asks Hamas to surrender in UN speech

Bareilly protest over ‘I Love Mohammad’ banner turns violent: Stones pelted, vehicles damaged