Telangana: BS Ramulu to head newly set up Backward Classes Panel

Hyderabad: The TS government has constituted Backward Classes Commission with noted writer and social analyst, B.S. Ramulu as chairman. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao approved the appointment of the chairman and members for the new commission on Saturday following which the government issued orders. The commission's duration will be for a period of three years.

The CM appointed Dr Vakulabharanam Krishna Mohan Rao, Dr Eediga Anjaneya Goud and Juluru Gowri Shankar as members of the BC panel. The commissioner of BC welfare will be the member-secretary.

Mr Mohan Rao worked as member of National BC Commission earlier and he joined TRS from Congress a few months ago. Mr Goud used to be TD’s student wing leader; he too has since joined TRS.

The commission assumes significance against the backdrop of TS government planning to increase reservations to Muslims to 12 per cent under BC-E quota.

The government brought in BC Commission (Amendment) Ordinance, 2016 on October 8, to enable appointment of a prominent personality from backward classes as chairman. The earlier practice was to appoint a retired judge.

The commission of inquiry headed by retired IAS officer G. Sudheer, appointed in March 2015, in its report recommended 12 per cent quota for Muslims. However, legal experts pointed out that this report will not stand legal scrutiny as only BC Commission has the power to make recommendations on quotas. The commission of inquiry's report will now serve as basis for BC Commission to recommend 12 per cent quota.