AP Cabinet meets to discuss on BC reservation data

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, is considering Backward Classes (BC) reservations in local body elections after officials presented findings from a special commission.

The Supreme Court has said BC reservations must be based on current population data and local conditions. Its rulings require the “Triple Test” to be completed before such reservations are provided in rural and urban local bodies. If the test is not completed, seats must be treated as general, except those reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population.

The state appointed a special commission led by retired IAS officer Rajiv Ranjan Mishra. It began work on 23 March, visited districts and gathered views from BC caste associations. After nearly seven months of study, it submitted its report to the government on 14 August 2026.

The commission said its findings were based on current data, which was shared through “Swarna Gramam” and “Swarna Wards” to allow the public to identify and correct discrepancies. Following verification by the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development and Municipal Administration and Urban Development departments, it estimated Andhra Pradesh’s population at 5,27,46,589.

Of that total, 2,65,94,418 people—or 50.42 per cent—were identified as BCs. The commission put the BC share at 48.84 per cent in rural areas and 54.36 per cent in urban areas.

The Cabinet is expected to decide on BC reservations in local body elections based on the findings.

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Pavan Bandari

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