The Centre has reportedly rejected the bills sent by the Telangana government providing 42 percent reservation for BCs in the education and employment sectors and in local body elections. As a result, the Governor is also unlikely to sign on the Ordinance forwarded by the state government in this regard.
Based on the house-to-house survey data and the report of the Dedicated Commission, the Telangana government introduced and passed 2 BC bills separately in the assembly sessions held in March last year. Through Bill No. 3, reservations were increased to 42 percent in the education and employment sectors and through Bill No. 4 in local bodies.
After the assembly passed the respective bills, it sent the respective bills to the President and requested the central government to include them in the 9th schedule. It is learnt that the Centre has recently rejected those bills.
The Supreme Court had earlier ruled that the reservation for SC, ST and OBCs in local body elections should not exceed 50%. It issued guidelines in the name of the triple test. It is reported that the Centre has sent the bills back to the state government 15 days ago citing the same issue.
Although the state government has given an explanation to the centre citing the judgment on Articles 15(4), 15(5), 16(5), and EWS reservations, it is reported that the centre has again sent back the bills. It is reported that the state government has maintained secrecy on these issues and has held discussions with only a few officials.
Later only the Revanth Reddy government resorted to bringing an ordinance to the fore. Moreover, on what basis was the backwardness of the BCs confirmed? It is reported that the centre has once again written a letter to the state government seeking an explanation on the validity of the statistics and other issues.
It is known that the state government recently met with some officials and ministers in a hotel and discussed the matter. It is learnt that the report of the independent committee formed under the leadership of Justice Sudarshan Reddy has been submitted in response to the information sought by the Centre. Now, the state government has reportedly decided to send the same report to the Centre.