OBCs in Telangana to get 42% reservation in education, jobs? CM Revanth Reddy vows ‘proactive measures’

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has reaffirmed his government's ‘proactive measures’ to secure a 42 per cent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in education, employment and political opportunities. CM Reddy gave the assurance while speaking in the Telangana Assembly on Monday.

“Today, as the Leader of the Telangana Legislative Assembly, as Chief Minister, I solemnly declare that based on the most scientific, methodically rigorous, and excruciating efforts of our people, we can say that the OBC population in Telangana is 56.36 per cent. We are now resolving to ensure 42 per cent reservations for this group in all walks of life - education, jobs and employment & political representation. Be on the right side of history and let each one of us become a champion of this historic move,” CM Reddy wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

CM Revanth Reddy's initiative follows a promise made by Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi during the election campaign, where he vowed to enhance BC reservations if the Congress came to power.

Upon assuming office, the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government launched a comprehensive BC caste census on February 4, 2024, marking a crucial step towards achieving this goal.

“The previous government sent a proposal to the governor to increase BC reservation to 37 per cent. This government is withdrawing the earlier proposal and sending a new proposal of 42 per cent reservation for BCs in education, employment and political opportunities,” Revanth Reddy said in the Assembly on Monday.

Telangana Caste Survey

The caste census conducted by the Telangana government aimed at providing accurate data on the state's demographic composition, particularly focusing on the Backward Classes. This survey was a response to the need for reliable statistics to support the proposed increase in reservations in the state.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has assured that the BC census report is accurate and reliable, underscoring the responsibility of all stakeholders to support the adoption of the BC reservation bill in Parliament.

"As the Leader of the House, I am also assuring that the BC census report is 100 per cent correct. It is the responsibility of everyone to adopt the BC bill in Parliament. We will not sit calmly until a 42 per cent reservation is achieved for BCs. We are committed to the Kamareddy Declaration," CM Reddy declared in the Assembly.

The Kamareddy Declaration

The Kamareddy Declaration is a political commitment made by the Congress party during its election campaign prior to the Telangana Assembly Elections. It outlines a comprehensive set of promises aimed at enhancing the socio-economic status of Backward Classes in Telangana.

Central to this declaration is the pledge to increase reservations for BCs to 42 per cent, a move seen as crucial for ensuring greater representation and opportunities for this demographic.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has appealed to leaders from all parties to unite in support of this initiative and raise the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.