Now, Andhra Christians demand quota

HYDERABAD: Christians in Andhra Pradesh have demanded a quota of their own after the state cabinet approved an ordinance on Wednesday to grant 4% reservation to economically backward Muslims in jobs and educational institutions.

The community members are demanding that Andhra Pradesh follow the Tamil Nadu example wherein Christians are included in the 5% reservation for Muslims. A memorandum will be submitted to the chief minister next week, said Christian Front, which is lobbying for the quota.

The Front also demanded a fresh census of Christians in the state by an independent body, saying the government statistics of 6% is “incorrect”.

“Christians account for 10-15% of the state’s population. An independent body should survey this and it can also be verified from church memberships,” said Bhaskar Benny, president of the Front.

While a new category called Backward Class Group C was introduced for scheduled caste Christians during the time of T Anjaiah, community members say its benefits are minimal. “We are a minority community and the benefits for minorities are different from those in backward classes.  

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