KCR to hike minority quota, says Telangana will follow TN model for reservation

KCR demanded that the Centre transfer the subject of reservation to states as state govts will have better understanding of their social composition.

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Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday announced that the state government would follow Tamil Nadu model in implementing reservations for the state's Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe and Backward Class population.

In a cabinet meeting at Pragati Bhavan, KCR accepted the report prepared by State Backward Classes Commission on the socio-economic conditions of Muslims and report by another panel to increase quota for tribal population.

He also announced that the hike in reservation for minorities would be done like it was done by Tamil Nadu and if the Centre does not respond positively, he will move apex court.

"Nearly 90% of Telangana's population belongs to SC, ST and OBC categories. Tamil Nadu government increased the reservation according to their population. The Parliament accepted their proposal. Telangana too will do the same,” KCR said.

He said that his party, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) was taking the step to implement its poll promise to increase quota for Muslims and Scheduled Tribes to 12% each.

He pointed out that the socially and economically backward sections among Muslims are already enjoying 5% reservation in jobs and education.

The Chief Minister said Telangana's legislation would be on the lines of the law passed by Tamil Nadu and included in 9th Schedule.

Citing the examples of states implementing more than 50% reservation, he remarked that law has to be equal for all states.

The TRS chief demanded that the Centre transfer the subject of reservation to states as states will have better understanding of their social composition and will be able to take necessary steps to ensure social justice.

He also said that a special session of the Telangana Assembly will be held on April 16 to pass a legislation to increase quota for Muslims and tribals.

He said the percentage of enhanced quota will be decided by the state cabinet at a meeting on April 15.

After passing the bill, which will take the overall reservation quota in the state beyond the prescribed limit of 50%, it will be sent to the Union government for President's assent.

Earlier this year, KCR said in the Legislative Assembly that 12% quota each for poor Muslims and STs would be introduced in the budget session.

He had also decided that reservation for Muslims will be based on their social, economic and educational backwardness and not on religious basis.

However, BJP had slammed the Chief Minister, terming the proposal as ‘unconstitutional’.

"This open pandering for Muslim votes by CM KCR being in a constitutional position” Telangana BJP’s official spokesperson, Krishna Saagar Rao had earlier told PTI.

IANS Inputs

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The quota debate: Can Telangana manage to bring in 12% reservation for Muslims and STs?