Archive · 5 Aug 2026
Andhra Pradesh Unveils Draft 'BC Protection Law' With Special Courts
People in India belong to many different groups, and some groups called Backward Classes have not always been treated fairly.
The government of Andhra Pradesh, a state in India, wants a new law to protect these groups.
If someone says mean things or hurts a Backward Class person because of their caste or traditional jobs, they could get into serious trouble.
The new law would also set up special courts to handle these cases quickly.
The government says Andhra Pradesh would be the first state in India to have this kind of law.
The idea was first promised by a minister named Nara Lokesh during his long walking tour.
Officials met in Vijayawada to discuss the draft law, led by the Backward Classes welfare minister.
More meetings will be held across the state before the draft is sent to the national commission.
After that, the final bill will be presented to the state assembly.
The government also plans to increase reservation for Backward Classes in local bodies to 34 percent.
Andhra Pradesh unveiled a draft BC Protection Law to protect Backward Classes from harassment and derogatory remarks.
The state claims it would be the first in India to enact a dedicated Backward Classes protection law.
The draft proposes stringent punishment for abuse linked to caste or traditional occupations and special courts for speedy trials.
The announcement followed a high-level consultation chaired by BC welfare minister S Savitha in Vijayawada.
The final draft will be submitted to the National Commission for Backward Classes before introduction in the assembly.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh state government, led by BC welfare minister S Savitha, with ministers, MLAs, MLCs, MPs and senior officials.
- What
- Unveiled a draft BC Protection Law proposing stringent punishment for harassment or derogatory remarks against Backward Classes and special courts for speedy trials.
- When
- Wednesday, after a high-level consultation on the draft legislation.
- Where
- Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Why
- To fulfill the 3-party alliance government's election commitments and strengthen the social, political and economic security of BC communities.
- State
- Andhra Pradesh
- Proposed law
- BC Protection Law (draft legislation)
- First-of-its-kind claim
- First dedicated BC Protection Law in India
- Key provisions
- Punishment for caste or traditional occupation-based harassment and abuse; special courts for speedy trial
- Consultation chaired by
- BC welfare minister S Savitha
- Next steps
- District-level consultations with BC organizations, submission to National Commission for Backward Classes, introduction in state assembly, and seeking Centre's support
- Reservation target
- Increase BC reservations in local bodies to 34 per cent via the Dedicated BC Commission headed by Rajiv Ranjan Mishra
- Background promise
- Promised by minister Nara Lokesh during his padayatra; deliberations ongoing for two years