Telangana assembly approves historic increase in OBC quota

The Telangana State Assembly has enacted two crucial laws to elevate the reserve quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from 23% to 42% in government employment, educational institutions, and local body elections.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced a decision that was ratified through legislation on March 18, fulfilling a significant pledge made by the ruling Congress party during the 2023 assembly elections.

The rise is a result of a thorough caste census carried out by the state government, which indicated that OBCs make up 56.36% of Telangana’s population.

Historic moment: Revanth Reddy

In the assembly, CM Reddy highlighted the initiative as a progression towards social justice, asserting, “This is a historic moment for Telangana and a message to the nation that equitable representation is achievable.” He attributed the policy’s inspiration to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, highlighting Gandhi’s commitment to augment the OBC quota should the party attain power.

The Telangana Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions and of Appointments for Posts in Services under the State) Bill, 2025, along with an extra bill for local body elections, goes over the Supreme Court’s 50% reservation limit, bringing the total reservation for the state to about 62%. The figure encompasses current quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and additional groupings.

To mitigate any legal problems, Reddy advocated for a coalition with opposition parties to pursue a constitutional change from the central government, potentially by including the law under the Ninth Schedule to protect it from judicial scrutiny.

Rahul Gandhi lauded the move as “revolutionary,” endorsing a national caste census and the abolition of the 50% reservation cap.

“Telangana has set a precedent—this is what the entire nation requires,” he stated on social media.

Legal obstacles?

The ruling has elicited diverse responses. Supporters herald it as a triumph for marginalized groups, while detractors, including certain opposition figures, challenge its viability in light of the Supreme Court’s limitations and caution against possible repercussions from other communities.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) have articulated measured endorsement while voicing apprehensions over execution and legal obstacles.