AP govt to commission study on economic condition of Backward Classes

Andhra Pradesh government would soon commission a study on the economic condition of backward classes in the state, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced here on Saturday.

"We will soon undertake a study on the economic condition of BCs. Our ultimate aim is to eliminate economic inequalities and establish a poverty-free society," the Chief Minister said addressing a loan mela for the backward classes.

There are 139 backward communities in Andhra Pradesh and the government is taking all steps for their welfare, he said.

A group among the participants tried to disturb the meeting, as the Chief Minister was addressing, demanding that the government desist from diluting reservations for BCs in the backdrop of the move to include the Kapu community in the BC list.

The Chief Minister admonished the group stressing that his government would never do injustice to backward classes.

"Backward classes are the backbone of TDP. The TDP remains non-existent without the BCs, so there is no question of doing any injustice to them. We will ensure reservations for backward Kapus without disturbing the quota structure for existing BCs," he asserted.

The government would only try to do something more for the BCs, he added. Naidu noted that no other country in the world had caste system.

"Being born in a particular community is only an accident. In fact, there are only two castes -- the rich and the poor. The rich can take care of themselves and our government will do everything for the upliftment of the poor," he said.

The Chief Minister distributed a sum of Rs 115 crore to over 34,000 BC beneficiaries for taking up self-employment ventures.

In the first phase a few months ago, Rs 127 crore was distributed as loan to 37,000 BC beneficiaries.

Deputy Chief Minister K E Krishna Murthy, ministers Kollu Ravindra, P Pulla Rao, MPs, MLAs, leaders of BC associations and others attended.