PNS|Hyderabad
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said that Telangana’s ‘historic’ law to provide 42 per cent reservation to Backward Classes in elected bodies, education and employment has set a new ‘benchmark’ for ‘social justice’ in the country.
Addressing the media at the Raj Bhavan here on Friday after meeting the Governor, he said the state’s commitment to ‘social justice’ under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has now become a model for the nation.
Ponnam explained that the law was framed after gathering empirical data, forming a subcommittee, obtaining cabinet approval and passing the legislation in the Assembly.
He said the state government then sent the law for the Governor’s assent before forwarding it to the Centre for the President’s approval.
“The Governor examined the legal aspects and sent it to the President. On behalf of all BC leaders in the Telangana Congress, we met the Governor and thanked her,” he said.
He also welcomed the Centre’s decision to conduct a caste census during the 2025 national census. “It is heartening that Telangana’s initiative has inspired the Centre to follow suit,” Ponnam observed, taking a dig at critics. “Those who once opposed the caste census are now unable to digest the fact that Telangana has become a guiding force.”
He argued that the decision to enumerate castes and provide enhanced reservations to BCs is vital for the welfare of weaker sections. “We urge the Centre not to delay the caste census. Based on Telangana’s caste census, the law granting 42 per cent reservation to BCs should be approved and implemented without any hindrance,” he said.
Ponnam stressed that this is the true test of the Centre’s sincerity towards BCs. “It is time for the Centre to show its commitment to social justice,” he said, reiterating that the Congress is proud to lead the nation with ‘progressive’ policies.
