42% BC Reservation: Student Bodies Demand Ninth Schedule Protection for Telangana Bill

Hyderabad – Student organisations across Telangana have launched a concerted movement, demanding the immediate inclusion of the state's 42% Backward Classes (BC) Reservation Bill into the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to grant it permanent legal protection from judicial scrutiny.

The demand was vociferously raised during a dharna and subsequent press conference organised in front of Osmania Arts College on Friday. The protest was a joint initiative of the All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA), the Dalit Bahujan Students Association (DBSA), the Progressive Democratic Students Union (PDSU), and various student bodies from Osmania University.

The 42% BC Reservation Bill, which provides quotas for Backward Classes in education, employment, and local bodies in Telangana, is currently under legal challenge in the High Court. The protesting students argue that its inclusion in the Ninth Schedule is the only way to secure its future.

Addressing the media, AIOBCSA National President G. Kiran Kumar termed the Bill a "landmark for social justice in Telangana" but highlighted its precarious legal position.

“The 42% BC Reservation Bill stands as a landmark for social justice in Telangana. As the Bill faces legal scrutiny in the High Court, its inclusion in the Ninth Schedule is the only path to ensure permanent legal protection,” Kumar stated. “The Modi Government must act immediately and extend justice to the BC community without delay.”

Dr. Avvaru Venu Kumar stated that the ongoing movement to secure BC rights is not just a political struggle but a fight for social justice and the preservation of constitutional values.

DBSA State Coordinator Darshan asserted, “If anyone attempts to undermine or obstruct BC reservations, BC, SC, ST, and Minority student organisations will unite to launch a powerful national movement. Including the Bill in the Ninth Schedule is crucial to protect social justice and political equality.”

AIOBCSA Telangana State President Rajesh Shameerpet added,

“Our demands are crystal clear:

1. The 42% BC Reservation Bill must be immediately included in the Ninth Schedule.

2️. The Central Government must provide constitutional protection before the ongoing legal proceedings in the High Court and Supreme Court are concluded.

This will be a historic step toward securing the future of BCs.”

The event saw strong participation from a coalition of student organisations, including the All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA), the Dalit Bahujan Minority Students Association (DBMSA), PDSU, and Osmania University student unions. Several student leaders, including Aravind, Rakesh Dutt, Shiva Yadav, Ashwin, Lakshman, Surya, and Madhu, were present, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to the cause of BC empowerment and social justice.

The protest signals a significant escalation of the movement, with student groups vowing to take their fight from the streets of Hyderabad to the power corridors of Delhi until their demands are met.