Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Andhra Pradesh Sets 50% Cap on Local-Body Reservations
Andhra Pradesh has set a limit on reserved seats in local governments.
The limit is 50 per cent when reservations for Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are added together.
The government accepted recommendations from a commission led by Rajiv Ranjan Mishra.
The commission studied information from surveys, government records and other sources.
There are no Census population figures for Backward Classes, so the commission used other data to work out their reservations.
The order also says that reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes must follow constitutional rules.
Government departments will now take further action.
The government says these reservations can help Backward Classes be represented in local decision-making.
Andhra Pradesh issued GO Ms No. 17 on October 10, accepting recommendations on Backward Class reservations in rural and urban local bodies.
The order caps combined reservations for Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes at 50 per cent in any local body.
The government accepted the Rajiv Ranjan Mishra Commission’s recommendations following court decisions on October 1 and October 9.
Because Census population data for Backward Classes are unavailable, the commission used empirical and contemporaneous data, including Unified Family Survey and SGSW records.
Departments responsible for panchayat and municipal administration were directed to act on the recommendations in line with constitutional provisions and law.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh government and the Rajiv Ranjan Mishra Commission.
- What
- The government accepted recommendations for Backward Class reservations in local bodies, with total reservations for Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes capped at 50 per cent.
- When
- The order was issued on October 10, following court decisions on October 1 and October 9. The article does not state the year for these dates.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, in rural and urban local bodies.
- Why
- The government said adequate Backward Class representation is essential to strengthening grassroots democracy and advancing social justice.
- Government order
- GO Ms No. 17
- Order date
- October 10
- Reservation ceiling
- Combined reservations for Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes must not exceed 50 per cent in any local body.
- Commission
- Rajiv Ranjan Mishra Commission
- Commission established
- GO Ms No. 3 dated February 19, 2026
- Data cited
- Unified Family Survey, Social Governance and Social Welfare Department records, National Family Health Survey, commission reports, departmental records and Census data.
- Constitutional provisions
- Articles 243D and 243T govern reservations in Panchayats and municipalities.