**Telangana Assembly Approves 42% Reservation for Backward Classes in Local Elections**
The Telangana Assembly has passed two significant bills that establish a 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections, amending the Municipalities Act and the Panchayat Raj Act of 2018. This legislation, which replaces a previous ordinance, underscores the Congress government’s commitment to implementing this quota ahead of the upcoming elections, following a directive from the Telangana High Court to conduct polls by September 30.
During the Assembly debate, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy criticized former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) for allegedly hindering the empowerment of BCs. Reddy pointed out that the Panchayat Raj Act, enacted under the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government, restricts the quota to a maximum of 50%. He also condemned the BRS for not supporting a recent protest at Jantar Mantar that called for Union government approval of the BC quota bills.
Reddy mentioned that the state government had submitted two separate bills to the Governor for a 42% quota in education, empowerment, and local bodies, but these bills have been pending with the President for five months. He noted that external forces had approached the High Court regarding local body elections, leading to the court’s order for elections to be held by September 30.
The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s extensive efforts to implement the quota law, highlighting the work of the Dedication Commission, which conducted a caste survey as mandated by the High Court. This survey is set to be completed between February 4, 2024, and February 4, 2025. Reddy stated, “We worked diligently to enact a law for BC quota within a deadline of 365 days,” noting that the quota had received cabinet approval prior to the Assembly resolution.
Reddy also accused KCR of attempting to influence the Governor to delay the ordinance’s promulgation, warning that the BRS’s political strategies against BC empowerment could backfire with the electorate. He praised BRS legislator G Kamalakar for supporting the bill and urged him not to yield to party pressure or mislead the weaker sections.
Telangana Minister Ponnal Prabhakar clarified that it is standard procedure to convert ordinances into bills when the Assembly is in session. Meanwhile, TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud welcomed the passage of the bills, stating that they eliminate the 50% reservation cap and provide essential empowerment for BC communities. The Congress government had pledged before the 2023 Assembly elections to increase BC reservations in local bodies from 23% to 42%, and the unanimous approval of these bills reflects its dedication to fulfilling that promise.
**FAQ**
**What is the significance of the 42% reservation for Backward Classes in Telangana?**
The 42% reservation for Backward Classes in local elections is significant as it aims to enhance the political representation and empowerment of BC communities in Telangana, addressing historical inequalities and ensuring their voices are heard in governance.