Telangana Cabinet Approves 42% Reservation For Backward Classes In Local Bodies

In a landmark move aimed at advancing social justice, the Telangana Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has approved 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BC) in local bodies. This decision, taken during the 19th Cabinet meeting, fulfills a long-standing demand of the BC community, which constitutes over half of the state’s population.

In the assembly session held in March 2025, the government had already approved the provision of 42% reservation for BC. In this session, two bills were passed to ensure 42% reservation for BC in education, jobs and local bodies. The move gained urgency after a recent High Court directive instructed the government to finalise the reservation framework ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections.

To support the initiative, a dedicated BC Commission was constituted as per Supreme Court guidelines. The commission carried out a comprehensive caste census, supervised by the State Planning Department, which formed the basis for the 42% quota structure. The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Panchayati Raj Act, 2018, to legally accommodate the revised reservation scheme.

As per the new reservation model, Gram Panchayat Sarpanches and MPTC members will be treated as Mandal-level units, MPP and ZPTC members as district-level, and ZP Chairpersons as state-level units.

Minister Hails Move As 'Historic Step'

Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar hailed the decision as a "historic step" toward equitable representation and praised the Congress-led government’s commitment to social empowerment. He emphasised that the measure aligns with Rahul Gandhi’s vision during the Bharat Jodo Yatra and marks a milestone in the ongoing efforts to democratize opportunity.

The process began in February 2024 with the launch of a state-wide caste census and by February 2025, the proposal for 42% BC reservation was formalized into law and sent to the President for approval via the Governor.

Election officials indicated that the Panchayat poll schedule may be released as early as July 15. The government is also preparing to launch skill-building and training programs tailored to the BC community, reinforcing its broader empowerment agenda.

india