HYDERABAD: Telangana government will introduce a bill in assembly in the first week of March to grant 42% reservation to Backward Classes (BCs) in education, employment, and local bodies. The move aims to fulfil a long-pending demand for quota proportional to the BC population.
The bill, first approved by the state cabinet, was a key promise in Congress’s “BC Declaration” made in Kamareddy during the 2023 assembly elections. Government will seek unanimous support from all political parties before taking the bill to Centre, urging Parliament to pass a law enshrining the quota.
“Congress govt will not stop at just approving the 42% quota in the assembly but will push for its passage in Parliament. CM Revanth Reddy will lead a delegation to meet PM Modi and seek national support,” deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka said Wednesday.
With Parliament’s budget session set for March, Telangana aims to build pressure for the bill’s approval. Bhatti said the state’s recent caste survey, which found that 56% of the population belongs to BC communities, justified the enhanced quota despite financial strain.
According to sources, the long-pending panchayat elections may be held in April or May after the bill’s passage. The quota will be implemented based on recommendations from the BC Commission led by Busani Venkateshwara Rao.
Govt is also offering a “second chance” for 3.1% of households missed in the socio-economic and caste survey. From Feb 16-28, families can submit details via a toll-free number, mandal development offices, or an online portal.
