Hyderabad:
The state government on Saturday initiated the process to enhance reservations for Backward Classes, by listing the terms of reference for the BC Commission to take up a comprehensive scientific study on socioeconomic and educational conditions of BCs. The panel has been asked to submit the report within six months with quantifiable data so that backwardness of BCs can be assessed for enhancement of reservations.
At present, BCs in the state, who are categorised into four groups, get 25 per cent quota.
While BC-A category has 7 per cent quota, BC-B has 10 per cent, BC-C 1 per cent and BC-D 7 per cent.
Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao recently said there was a need to increase quota for BCs and the BC Commission will be asked to take up study on this issue and recommend the quantum of hike.
At present, the total reservations in TS are at 50 per cent.
The government asked the BC panel to take up the study on BCs with special focus on nomadic, semi-nomadic tribes, occupational groups and Most Backward Classes. The panel will study their living conditions, the difficulties under which they work and their occupations and make recommendations to enable the government take steps for their advancement and for promotion of their educational and economic interests.
It asked to assess their livelihood based on their traditional occupation, the present status and alternative occupations and scope for its modernisation.
The panel was asked to obtain information from state and Central government wings, agencies/institutions on percentage of BCs employed in the government/quasi government/private sector.
Report on the educational indicators like literacy rate dropout rates, education attainment, etc., and health indicators like MMR, IMR, etc., compared with other sections of society.
The panel will report on the access to banking credit, allied services and welfare schemes being provided to the BCs by the government and financial institutions.
It will also report on the availability of government infrastructure and institutional mechanism for implementation of government welfare schemes for BCs.
