Focus on Special Protection Law for BCs and enhanced reservations

The Chief Minister also reaffirmed his commitment to restoring 34% reservations for BCs in nominated posts and local bodies, a promise made during the elections

Metro India News | amaravati

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu conducted an extensive review of welfare measures for the Backward Classes (BC) community on Monday. Key topics included the implementation of election promises, legal provisions for safeguarding BC rights, and improvements to welfare facilities.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Naidu reiterated his government’s commitment to introducing a Special Protection Law for the BC community. This move aims to legally strengthen measures against discrimination and marginalization. A ministerial committee presented preliminary recommendations, which the Chief Minister directed officials to refine further to ensure the law is free from technical and legal challenges.

The Chief Minister also reaffirmed his commitment to restoring 34% reservations for BCs in nominated posts and local bodies, a promise made during the elections. The reduction of BC reservations from 34% to 24% under previous administrations resulted in the loss of approximately 16,500 positions for the community. Naidu emphasized the importance of legal recourse to reinstate these reservations and directed officials to study relevant court judgments for a robust strategy.

Highlighting the need for better facilities in BC welfare hostels, the Chief Minister instructed immediate repairs, particularly for girls' hostels. Andhra Pradesh currently houses 1,110 BC hostels accommodating over 95,000 students. Of these, 450 operate from rented premises. The government allocated Rs.135 crore in the 2024-25 budget to address outstanding dues and infrastructure improvements.

Naidu directed officials to expedite payments for pending diet charges and cosmetic expenses, amounting to Rs.34.14 crore left unpaid by the previous administration. Additionally, Rs.18 crore has been earmarked for purchasing essential items like trunk boxes for students.

Further, the government plans to establish SR Sankaran Knowledge Centers in 104 BC hostels as part of a pilot project aimed at enhancing skill development. These centers will offer training in spoken English, digital literacy, legal awareness, and ethical values. The initiative is expected to empower BC students with skills relevant to modern careers. A blueprint has also been prepared to expand civil services coaching for BC candidates, with a dedicated facility planned in the CRDA region.

Addressing concerns over social pensions, the Chief Minister clarified that the government is conducting thorough verifications to ensure pensions reach only eligible beneficiaries. Naidu refuted claims of pension removal, describing the review as a step to eliminate fraudulent claims. “Our goal is to support the deserving, while those exploiting the system will face consequences,” he said. He also instructed officials to investigate 24,000 disability pension cases and take strict action against those issuing false certificates.

He stated that the government allocated Rs. 896.79 crore in the budget to bolster BC livelihoods and economic opportunities. Action plans include support for self-employment and financial assistance programs. Discussions also touched on expanding livestock programs for shepherds and completing long-pending community buildings. For instance, the construction of 13 BC community halls was approved, with an increased budget to accommodate rising costs.

Inspired by the success of the Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Cooperative Finance Society, Naidu proposed setting up similar cooperative finance models for other communities. These would enable economically privileged members within communities to support those in need, fostering financial and social upliftment.

Chief Minister Naidu emphasized that his administration remains dedicated to fulfilling promises made to the BC community. He called for collective efforts from officials, lawmakers, and community leaders to ensure that welfare initiatives translate into tangible benefits.