Published Feb 20, 2026 | 10:38 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 20, 2026 | 10:38 AM
Elections.
Synopsis: The Andhra Pradesh government appointed a single-member commission to conduct an empirical inquiry into the nature and extent of backwardness among Backward Classes, with regard to reservations in local body elections in the state. The order emphasised that the exercise must be contemporaneous and should reflect current ground realities rather than rely on outdated data.
The Andhra Pradesh government appointed a single-member Dedicated Commission comprising former IAS officer Rajiv Ranjan Mishra to conduct an empirical inquiry into the nature and extent of backwardness among Backward Classes (BCs), with regard to reservations in local body elections in the state.
The appointment was made through a Government Order (GO Ms No.3) issued by the Backward Classes Welfare (F) Department on Thursday, 19 February.
The move assumes significance as the five-year term of 87 local bodies, including Urban Local Bodies, Gram Panchayats, and Mandal and Zilla Praja Parishads, is due to expire shortly, necessitating fresh elections in accordance with constitutional provisions.
According to Articles 243E(3)(a) and 243U(3)(a) of the Constitution of India, elections to local bodies must be conducted before the expiry of the term of the existing elected bodies.
The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission, in a letter dated 11 December 2025, informed the government about the impending expiry of terms and the requirement to complete the election process in time.
However, reservation of seats for BCs in local bodies must strictly comply with the “triple test” laid down by the Supreme Court of India. The apex court, in its landmark judgments in Dr K Krishna Murthy & Ors. Vs Union of India & Anr and Vikas Kishanrao Gawali Vs State of Maharashtra & Ors, ruled that states must fulfil three mandatory conditions before providing reservations for BCs in local body elections.
These include the constitution of a dedicated commission to conduct a contemporaneous empirical inquiry into the nature and implications of backwardness; local body-wise specification of the proportion of reservations based on the commission’s recommendations; and ensuring that the total reservations do not breach the constitutional ceiling.
The court reiterated these principles in subsequent rulings, making compliance mandatory for states conducting local body polls.
The GO said that the Dedicated Commission will be undertaking a comprehensive and rigorous empirical assessment to determine the nature, extent, and implications of backwardness among BCs in the context of local bodies across Andhra Pradesh.
The inquiry will form the basis for determining and specifying the proportion of reservations to be provided, local body-wise, strictly in conformity with constitutional provisions and the principles laid down by the Supreme Court, the GO said.
The order emphasised that the exercise must be contemporaneous — meaning it should reflect current ground realities rather than rely on outdated data. This is critical in ensuring that reservations are both constitutionally valid and socially just.
The Commission has been directed to submit its comprehensive report to the state government as expeditiously as possible, preferably within 45 days. Given the approaching local body elections, the timeline indicates the urgency attached to the task.
D Chandrasekhara Raju, Additional Director, Backward Classes Welfare, has been appointed as Secretary to the Commission.
The issue of BC reservations in local bodies carries substantial political weight in Andhra Pradesh, where BCs form a significant segment of the electorate. Ensuring constitutionally compliant reservations is both a legal necessity and a politically sensitive exercise.
Once the Commission submits its report, the government will examine its recommendations and specify the proportion of reservations to be provided local body-wise. This will form the basis for notifying reservations ahead of elections.
Meanwhile, BC Welfare Minister S Savitha said on Thursday that the government aimed to provide 34 percent reservation for BCs in local body elections.
She stated that the coalition government is committed to fulfilling its poll promise to enhance BC reservations from 24 percent to 34 percent in local bodies.
As part of this effort, the government has appointed a dedicated single-member commission under former Rajeev Ranjan Mishra, she said and expressed confidence that the commission would take decisions that would ensure justice and greater political participation for BCs in local bodies.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
