Committed to 100% reservation in govt. jobs for locals tribals in Agency areas: A.P. CM Naidu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing 100% reservation in government jobs for local tribals in Agency areas.
Mr. Naidu held a review meeting with the officials at the Secretariat on Monday to discuss the measures needed to reinstate G.O. No. 3, which was quashed by the Supreme Court in 2020.
He recalled that the G.O. 3 was issued by the undivided Andhra Pradesh government in 2000 to ensure justice to tribal people. The G.O., however, was quashed by the Supreme Court.
'The State government wants to reinstate the GO 3. The officials have to explore all possible legal avenues to restore the benefits provided earlier through GO No. 3. Thoroughly study the Supreme Court judgment and formulate a legal roadmap to uphold the rights of tribals while complying with constitutional provisions,' the Chief Minister told the officials.
Dig at YSRCP
Mr. Naidu said that 'the negligence by the previous YSRCP government' made the issue complex. In 1986, a G.O. was issued to ensure 100% reservation for local tribals for teacher posts in Agency areas. Due to legal hurdles, G.O. No. 3 was brought in 2000 after considering increased reservations for women.
This G.O. helped 4,626 tribal candidates secure teaching jobs. However, in 2002, the matter reached the courts, and eventually, the Supreme Court quashed the G.O., he said.
Mr. Naidu criticised the previous YSRCP government for failing to file a review petition in time, which led to the loss of benefits to tribal communities. Even when a review petition was filed, it was dismissed by the Supreme Court due to the negligence on part of the government, he said.
Mr. Naidu reminded the officials of his election-time promise to reinstate G.O. No. 3 or offer equivalent justice to tribals. He emphasised the need to gather opinions from tribal communities and associations and conduct a legal study on Supreme Court verdicts to chalk out actions required to protect the tribal rights.
The government is considering three options, including providing 100% reservation in Agency areas to local tribals, offering proportional reservation based on tribal population in Agency areas, and following the Supreme Court's suggestion of not exceeding 50% reservation but ensuring tribal rights through it.
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