The Telangana cabinet has decided to provide 42 percent reservation to BCs. This decision will be implemented before the Panchayat elections and is a significant step towards social justice.
Telangana: The Telangana government has made a historic decision to approve 42 percent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local bodies. This decision was taken at a cabinet meeting held on July 11, 2025, chaired by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. This decision is a significant step towards fulfilling the long-standing demand of the BC community for social justice.
Bills Already Passed in the Assembly
In the March 2025 session of the Assembly, the Telangana government had passed two bills related to providing 42 percent reservation to the BC community in education, jobs, and local bodies. Under this, efforts were made to give adequate representation to the backward classes in all sectors. This decision came after a High Court order that mandated finalizing the reservation system before the elections.
Decision Based on Caste Survey and Commission Recommendations
The state government had constituted a dedicated commission for the Backward Classes as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court. Furthermore, a detailed caste survey was also conducted under the supervision of the State Planning Department. Based on the report of this survey, the government decided to implement 42 percent reservation. This decision indicates that the government has determined the reservation not on any assumption but on the basis of solid data and facts.
Amendment to Panchayat Raj Law
To implement the BC reservation system, an amendment to the existing Panchayat Raj Act-2018 was required. The cabinet also approved this amendment. The BC community will be provided 42 percent reservation in positions such as Gram Panchayat Sarpanch, MPTC, MPP, ZPTC, and ZP Chairman.
A Major Step Towards Social Justice
Telangana's Backward Classes Welfare Minister, Ponnam Prabhakar, has called the government's decision historic. He said that the "Praja Palana Government" of Telangana has taken a big step towards ensuring social justice and equal opportunities. Through this reservation, the backward classes in the state will get a proper place in political and administrative participation.
During Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, the issue of reservation and social justice for the backward classes was also raised prominently. Under this ideology, the Congress government gave priority to this issue and took concrete action towards its resolution.
Reservation Process and Future Plans
The 42 percent reservation system began on February 4, 2024, when the government decided to conduct a comprehensive caste census. Based on the results, the bill was passed in the Assembly on February 4, 2025, and then this proposal was sent to the President through the Governor. Now, as per the court order, elections will be conducted within a month after finalizing this reservation system.
The cabinet meeting also indicated that the dates for the panchayat elections could be announced from July 15. The government is preparing to implement the reservation system throughout the state as per the instructions of the Election Commission and conduct elections soon. The state government is also planning to launch special training programs for the BC community so that they can effectively fulfill their role in local bodies. Work is also underway on the budget and administrative framework for this.
