The Telangana government is planning to increase the quota for backward classes (BC) in upcoming local body elections. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy held a meeting with officials to discuss the proposal and asked them to prepare an action plan. He also requested details about the implementation of reservation in previous panchayat elections and the proposal for the upcoming elections.
Officials briefed the Chief Minister on the procedures followed in past elections and the preparations for the upcoming ones. Regarding the caste census, which is necessary for implementing the quota, officials explained the process and estimated that it would take around five and a half months to complete.
To avoid delays in central funds, the Chief Minister ordered officials to create an action plan to increase the BC quota and conduct the elections swiftly. He also discussed the issue of increasing reservation at length.
Former minister Jana Reddy provided insights into the procedures followed in the past for conducting panchayat elections, Supreme Court cases related to BC reservations in local body elections, and the associated judgments and consequences.
In response, the Chief Minister stressed the need for a timeline for implementing reservations in the panchayat elections. He directed officials to consult experts, including Jana Reddy and retired officials, to clarify doubts and to consult the Advocate General on legal matters. He also ordered a study on the implementation of reservations in other states.
The Chief Minister concluded by announcing another meeting before the budget session of the Assembly to finalize the decision on increasing the reservation based on the officials’ report.
