Sun Aug 31 10:19:04 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

The Telangana government has passed two bills in the State Legislative Assembly to lift the 50% upper ceiling on reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes in local bodies. This move aims to implement a 42% reservation for Backward Classes in local elections. The decision follows a socio-economic survey and the establishment of a commission to determine the appropriate reservation proportion based on backwardness and representation. While the opposition (BRS and BJP) generally supports the idea of increased reservations for Backward Classes, they raised concerns about the timing, methodology, and the lack of central government assent for similar previous bills. The BJP also questioned the government’s commitment to allocating promised funds for Backward Classes’ welfare. The government defended its approach, highlighting its scientific basis and urging the opposition to press the central government for support.

**News Article:**

**Telangana Lifts Reservation Ceiling, Passes Landmark Bills for Backward Classes**

**HYDERABAD, August 31, 2025** – The Telangana government has taken a significant step towards social justice by passing two landmark bills that lift the 50% upper ceiling on reservations in local bodies. The move paves the way for a 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in upcoming local elections.

The Telangana Municipalities (Third Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Telangana Panchayat Raj (Third Amendment) Act 2025, were passed in the State Legislative Assembly on Sunday. This decision comes amidst existing pending Bills and an Ordinance on the same subject awaiting presidential assent.

Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu, representing Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, and Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka introduced the Bills. Sridhar Babu emphasized that the new legislation is based on comprehensive scientific data obtained through a state-wide socio-economic and caste survey, followed by a dedicated commission’s inquiry into the backwardness of BCs.

However, the opposition raised concerns during the debate. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) member G. Kamalakar, while supporting enhanced reservations for BCs, advised the government to adopt a methodology similar to Tamil Nadu’s to avoid potential legal challenges. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Payal Shankar questioned the government’s commitment to allocate funds for BC welfare, citing a lack of budgetary action and appointments of BC officials to top posts.

Sridhar Babu countered the opposition’s concerns, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the issue and urging the BJP to pressure the central government for its support in enhancing reservations for BCs.

This decision represents a major development in Telangana’s approach to social justice and political representation, with potential implications for local governance and the empowerment of Backward Classes. The bills now await further legislative procedures and scrutiny.

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