2 weeks ago
Andhra Pradesh Restores 34% BC Quota in Local Bodies
Andhra Pradesh has decided to reserve more local government seats for Backward Classes, or BCs.
BCs will receive 34 percent of seats in village-level local bodies.
They will receive 33.33 percent in towns and cities.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the decision fulfills a promise made during the 2024 elections.
He said it would give BC communities more chances to take part in governing their areas.
The government also said the earlier reservation level was 24.15 percent.
Naidu blamed the previous government for reducing the quota, although the articles do not include that government’s response.
People will also directly elect mayors and municipal chairpersons.
The Cabinet approved the creation of 28 District Praja Parishads as well.
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved 34% BC reservation in rural local bodies and 33.33% in urban local bodies.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the decision in the Assembly, calling it a historic social-justice measure.
The government said the move fulfills a key 2024 election promise backed by the TDP-led NDA alliance.
Naidu said BC reservation had fallen to 24.15% under the previous YSRCP government, costing about 16,800 elected positions.
The Cabinet also approved direct mayoral and municipal chairperson elections and the creation of 28 District Praja Parishads.
- Who
- The TDP-led NDA government of Andhra Pradesh, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, along with BC welfare minister S. Savitha and other ministers.
- What
- Approved 34% BC reservation in rural local bodies and 33.33% in urban local bodies, plus direct elections for mayors and municipal chairpersons and 28 new District Praja Parishads.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh; the decision was announced in the Legislative Assembly at Amaravati.
- When
- Tuesday; local body elections are expected later this year, with one minister saying they will be held by October.
- Why
- The government said it aims to fulfill its 2024 election promise, restore political representation for BC communities, and promote social justice and stable urban governance.
Coalition Government’s Position
Previous Government’s Position
Reservation policy
Coalition Government’s Position
The TDP-led NDA government says restoring the quota to 34% in rural bodies and 33.33% in urban bodies corrects an injustice and fulfills a 2024 election promise.
Previous Government’s Position
The articles report that the previous YSRCP government oversaw a 24.15% reservation level, but they do not include a response from YSRCP to the coalition’s criticism.
Treatment of BC leadership
Coalition Government’s Position
Andhra Pradesh ministers allege that the previous government weakened BC leadership through reduced reservations, cases, and attacks on leaders.
Previous Government’s Position
No statement from the previous government is provided to address these allegations.
Direct urban elections
Coalition Government’s Position
The coalition government says directly electing mayors and municipal chairpersons will promote stable governance and prevent frequent political defections.
Previous Government’s Position
The articles do not report an opposing position on direct elections.
Key facts
- Rural BC reservation
- 34% in local bodies
- Urban BC reservation
- 33.33% in local bodies
- Previous reservation
- 24.15%, according to the government
- BC population share
- 50.54% of Andhra Pradesh’s population, according to Chief Minister Naidu
- Reported impact of earlier reduction
- Naidu said about 16,800 elected positions were lost by BCs
- Election timing
- Local body polls are likely later this year; Minister K. Atchannaidu said they would be held by October
- Additional Cabinet decisions
- Direct elections for mayors and municipal chairpersons and 28 District Praja Parishads
Quotes
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, leader of the TDP-led NDA coalition
“"It is a historic day in the state’s social justice journey, and the government is taking a considered decision to promote the welfare and political empowerment of Backwards Classes."”
indianexpress.com
“"The government’s decision to restore 34 per cent reservation for Backward Classes in local body elections has been a historic step towards political empowerment of the community."”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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