The Andhra Pradesh government is preparing to introduce a new legislation called the AP BC Protection Act to safeguard the dignity, livelihood, and rights of Backward Class communities across the state. Announcing this in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh BC, EWS Welfare, Handlooms and Textiles Minister S. Savitha said the proposed law aims to provide strong legal protection for 138 Backward Class communities. She stated that the government is committed to ensuring social justice and preventing discrimination against BC communities. The minister also warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone who insults BC communities based on caste or occupation or engages in social or economic boycotts.
AP BC Protection Act Framework Discussed in Ministers’ Meeting
A meeting of BC ministers was held in Vijayawada on Saturday under the leadership of Minister Savitha to discuss the framework of the proposed legislation. The meeting was attended by Ministers Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, Kollu Ravindra, and Anagani Satya Prasad, along with MLC Beeda Ravichandra Yadav. Ministers Vasamsetti Subhash, Kondapalli Srinivas, and Satya Kumar Yadav participated in the discussions through video conference.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Minister Savitha said that the government is fulfilling the promises made to BC communities during the elections. She explained that two rounds of discussions have already been held with BC ministers and the draft of the AP BC Protection Act has been prepared.
According to the minister, the new law will provide legal safeguards to prevent insults, discrimination, and social or economic boycotts against members of the 138 BC castes. The government is also proposing punishments for around 15 types of harassment or discrimination targeting BC communities. The details of the meeting and the draft law will soon be submitted to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for further review and approval.
Minister Savitha also stated that Andhra Pradesh may become the first state in India to implement such a comprehensive law aimed specifically at protecting Backward Class communities.
Government to Seek BC Community Opinions
Before finalizing the legislation, the government plans to collect opinions and suggestions from BC MLAs, MLCs, BC organizations, and community representatives across five zones in the state. The minister emphasized that consultations with community leaders will help in framing a balanced and effective law.
Earlier during the meeting, BC Welfare Department Secretary S. Satyanarayana explained the precautions taken while drafting the legislation and the expert opinions considered during the process. He noted that recommendations from the Central Advocate General and the National BC Commission were also taken into account while preparing the draft.
Ministers Kollu Ravindra and Kinjarapu Atchannaidu stressed that discussions with BC associations across the state are essential before finalizing the law. They said the legislation should be carefully framed to ensure strong protection for BC communities without creating unnecessary controversies.
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The meeting was also attended by BC Welfare Department Director Mallikarjuna, Law Joint Secretary Venkateswara Rao, and other officials who provided suggestions for strengthening the proposed legislation. The government reiterated that ensuring dignity, protection, and development opportunities for BC communities remains one of its key priorities.
