BCs will be more assertive in political arena

Special Interview with the BC Commission member of Telagana State Dr V Krishna Mohan Rao

Karimnagar: Telangana State BC Commission member Dr Vakulabharanam Krishna Mohan Rao is a well-known personality in BC circles in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He is regarded as one of the established and finest authorities on the issues related to backward castes in both the Telugu states. 

In the united Andhra Pradesh, he was appointed as BC Commission member twice. Considering his contribution to the BC movement and commitment for the development of BC community, the State government has appointed him as the member of Telangana State BC Commission.

This is the third time, you occupy the post of Member of BC Commission. How do you see it?
Dr V Krishna Mohan Rao: Yes, for the third time in a row, but first one in Telangana State. It’s not easy for all members to get appointed again. BCs constitute 60 per cent of the population and the real fruits of development are not reaching them. The TRS government, led by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, understood the injustice being done to BC communities and taking steps for their development and issued GO MS No 9.

Can you explain the GO in brief?
Dr V Krishna Mohan: I will call it as Police Framework and mandate for the BC Commission. It speaks about comprehensive and scientific survey covering all households of BC communities present across Telangana. It emphasises the social status of BCs, MBCs and nomadic communities along with occupational castes in the State. The government asked the Commission to come up with concrete recommendations about special schemes and economic assistance to BCs. This process is a radical departure from previous and current regimes.

What are further steps the BC Commission is going to take?
Dr V Krishna Mohan: After the GO MSNo 9 issued, the Commission has convened series of meeting with academicians, experts, leaders of the caste and associations to elicit proposals and opinions about the scientific approach. The Commission held discussions with the members of BC Commissions of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to understand different frameworks adopted for various categories and the reservations that are being implemented in their State for BC communities. We are exploring every opportunity before undertaking survey in Telangana State.

How do you view about 123rd amendment ?
Dr V Krishna Mohan: There is widespread misconception about the proposed 123rd amendment. Some political parties alleged that it will snatch away the power of National SC/ST Commission, which is wrong. National Commission on Backward Classes (NCBC) would get constitutional status and it will have the power to address the grievances. More than SCs and STs, caste abuse against BCs is so prevalent and very lesser percentage of reservations are being utilised. BCs are subjected to discrimination like Dalits. Therefore, it is the right step to accord constitutional status by 123rd amendment.

What would be the role of BC in politics?
Dr V Krishna Mohan: I foresee more assertive participation of BCs in politics in the coming days. All the people belonging to BC community are trying to come under one platform and unity among them is growing with each day. I wish to see that BCs coming forward with a unique agenda to give a tough fight in politics in near future. 

By: Thirunagiri Venkteshwara Swamy