ST Reservation Issue: AP CM Calls For Mandate To Protect Tribals

AMARAVATI: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy focussed on tribal reservation issue in a review meeting held with officials on Sunday, and directed them to come up with mandate for the future plan of action to safeguard their interests. This was due to the Supreme Court's recent order quashing GO No 3 which sought to give 100 per cent reservation to Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates for the post of teachers in schools in the scheduled areas in Telangana and AP states.

The Chief Minister also spoke to the State Advocate General Subramanyam Sriram , and urged him to study the necessary legal measures to protect the interests of tribals.

The Supreme Court on April 23rd quashed a January 2000 order of the erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh that provided 100 per cent reservation to Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates for the post of teachers in schools in the scheduled areas.

In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, there was widespread fear among tribal communities. Deputy Chief Minister Pushpa Srivani and MLAs belonging to the Scheduled Tribes brought the matter to the Chief Minster's attention. Based on their request YS Jagan Mohan Reddy directed officials to study the verdict of the Supreme Court thoroughly and come out with an action plan and the legal measures to be taken to counter this.

The Chief Minister also ordered officials to speak to the officials of the Telangana government and co-ordinate with them in this regard. Since the GO was released during the erstwhile United Andhra Pradesh, the order will have an impact on both the states, he said.

In its 152-page verdict, the Supreme Court said, “There were no such extraordinary circumstances to provide a 100 per cent reservation in scheduled areas. It is an obnoxious idea that tribals only should teach the tribals. When there are other local residents, why they cannot teach is not understandable,” said the bench, also comprising Justices Indira Banerjee, Vineet Saran, M R Shah and Aniruddha Bose.

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly last year passed two Bills that enable setting up of separate Commissions for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) fto safeguard their interests.

Also Read: AP Assembly Passes Two Bills For Scheduled Castes And Tribes