Date:16/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/16/stories/2008111655020500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘State may hike quota for BCs’

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy said here on Saturday that the government was considering a proposal to increase the reservations for Backward Classes on the lines of those prevailing in Tamil Nadu.

Addressing members of various BC associations at his camp office, he stated that the government would exert pressure on the Centre to raise the quota for BCs in legislatures. Dr. Reddy claimed credit for the State allocating a budget of Rs. 1,600 crore for BCs and being at the top in the country in BC welfare.

A press release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office said members of BC associations, who were accompanied by R. Krishnaiah, president, AP State BC Welfare Association, and V. Krishna Mohan Rao, member, AP Commission for BCs, pressed for inclusion of more communities in the BC list. Mr. Krishnaiah, who also heads the AP State BC Employees’ Association, pleaded for reservations in promotions for BC staff. He urged Dr. Reddy to write to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.