Hyderabad: The Telangana govt’s proposal to extend 42% reservations to BCs in education, employment, and local bodies is now in the process of being thoroughly examined. The state is exploring proper steps to implement this promise, with sources indicating that the govt plans to send comprehensive survey data to the Telangana Commission for BCs to establish the quota in education and employment sectors.
While a dedicated BC commission led by Busani Venkateshwara Rao was appointed to focus on reservations in local bodies, it cannot extend its mandate to fix quotas in education and employment. As a result, the govt may introduce two separate bills in the state assembly: One for the enhanced quota in local bodies and another for education and employment sectors.
Legal experts suggest that the govt will need a constitutional amendment or approval from the Supreme Court to exceed the 50% reservation cap set by the court, based on the empirical data of a caste survey. The govt is also expected to table the SC categorisation bill in the assembly in March.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP R Krishnaiah emphasised the importance of the BC Commission’s role in ensuring the legal validity of these proposed changes. He believes that while the govt can fix quotas based on the survey data, it would be stronger if the BC Commission sets the enhanced quota, providing a more legally sound basis.
Former BC Commission chairman Krishna Mohan Rao Vakulabharanam echoed this sentiment, urging the govt to avoid rushing into legislative action without the necessary data and proper procedures. He said the BC Commission’s comprehensive analysis and recommendations are crucial before introducing the bills. “The survey findings must be shared with both commissions for in-depth analysis to ensure scientifically valid and legally sound reports,” he said.
