Backward Classes welfare in Andhra Pradesh: Naidu hears quota and OBC sub-plan demands

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met leaders of the Andhra Pradesh BC Welfare Association in Amaravati, reaffirming support for Backward Classes welfare. The delegation sought population-based reservations, a law to protect backward communities, 34 per cent local body reservations, an OBC ministry at the Union level, an OBC sub-plan with budgets, and filling backlog vacancies.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the state government kept working on the welfare of Backward Classes. Naidu met leaders of the Andhra Pradesh BC Welfare Association in Amaravati on April 10. The delegation shared written representations and raised several demands linked to reservations, welfare laws, and jobs.

The delegation was led by state president Kesana Shankara Rao and National President J Srinivas Goud. The group asked the Chief Minister to take up key issues with the Union government. The leaders also sought steps to improve support for BC communities through policy changes and better implementation.

Backward Classes welfare and development: Chief Minister response

Naidu said, "The state government remains committed to the welfare and development of BCs; the peoples government is continuously working for the upliftment of their communities,\" according to an official press release. Naidu also assured the delegation that concerns would be reviewed. Naidu said the government aimed to improve opportunities for BC groups.

Naidu told the delegation that matters linked to the Central Government would be pursued through consultations. Naidu said efforts would be made to address the points raised. Naidu also said the NDA coalition government would ensure justice and equitable opportunities for BC communities across sectors.

Backward Classes welfare and development: Key demands raised by BC leaders

The BC leaders asked Naidu to raise the issue of reservations based on population proportion with the Union government. The delegation also demanded a law to protect backward communities, early. The leaders said such measures were needed to improve safeguards and ensure fair access to benefits.

The delegation also sought implementation of 34 per cent reservations in local bodies. The leaders demanded a separate ministry for the Other Backward Classes OBCs at the Union government. The leaders also asked for an OBC sub-plan with a dedicated budget. The group further raised the issue of filling backlog vacancies in government departments.

According to the press release, the BC leaders expressed confidence in the current coalition government. The leaders also appreciated initiatives already taken by the state. The meeting ended with Naidu assuring follow-up on the requests, including those needing talks with the Union government.

With inputs from PTI