Telangana Cabinet to meet on July 28; to decide on local body elections, 42% quota for BCs

Hyderabad: Telangana Cabinet is set to take decisions on holding local body elections, with a primary focus on implementing 42 per cent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs).

Set to be held on Monday, the Cabinet meeting comes in the backdrop of a High Court directive mandating the finalisation of local body poll reservations within 30 days, a deadline that expires soon.

SEC gears up for elections

The Panchayat Raj Department has already informed the State Election Commission (SEC) to begin preparations for the polls. Following the Cabinet's approval, the SEC is expected to announce a detailed election schedule. Sources indicated that the elections could be held in two phases.

Spotlight on BC quota

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who recently reiterated the government's commitment to social justice at an AICC meeting in New Delhi, is likely to steer a comprehensive discussion on implementing 42 per cent reservation for BCs in local bodies.

“A detailed review will be held in the Cabinet on how to implement BC reservations in line with court directives and after obtaining necessary approvals from the Governor,” sources said.

Welfare schemes in focus

In addition to electoral issues, the Cabinet will also take up major welfare initiatives. These include:

Free bus travel for women

Distribution of fine rice to BPL families

Implementation of the Indiramma Housing Scheme, along with eligibility selection and certificate distribution

Review of Rythu Bharosa, the farmers’ welfare scheme

Metro Phase-II and infrastructure projects

The Cabinet is also expected to deliberate on the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for Phase II of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project and its proposed expansion. Infrastructure and urban mobility are likely to be key discussion points in light of growing transportation needs in the city.