Telangana to hike Muslim, ST quotas despite strong objection from BJP

The Telangana Government has decided to increase reservation for BC-E Category (Muslim minorities) despite strong objection from the BJP. The reservation will also be extended to Scheduled Tribes.

The TRS government had promised 12 per cent reservations each for Muslims and Scheduled Tribes, but the hike recommended by BC and ST commissions has been kept a secret. On Tuesday, the BC Commission, headed by B.S. Ramulu, met Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao at his camp office and submitted its report with recommendations to increase the Backward Muslim quota. Currently, they have 4 per cent reservation.

According to the Chief Minister’s earlier statement in the Assembly, after passing the enhanced quota Bills, the State would request the Central Government to allow the quota Bill inclusion in the 9th Schedule of the Constitution to protect it from legal scrutiny.

The overall quota, presently 50 per cent as per a 1992 Supreme Court cap, will be increased to over 60 per cent depending upon the enhancement.

The State Government wants the Centre to protect the quota legislation on par with the 69 per cent reservation that was implemented in Tamil Nadu and included in the 9th Schedule.

Mr. Rao called on Governor E. S. L. Narasimhan at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday and briefed him on the proposals. He has summoned a Cabinet meeting at Pragathi Bhavan, Begumpet, on Wednesday evening.