G.O. No. 3, issued in 2000 during the previous TDP-led government, had reserved 100% of teacher posts in Agency areas for local Scheduled Tribes (STs)—a move hailed as a milestone in tribal empowerment

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring 100% job reservations for local tribal communities in Agency areas, signaling serious intent to revive G.O. Ms. No. 3 of 2000, which had previously ensured exclusive recruitment of tribals in government posts in these regions.

Chairing a detailed review with the Tribal Welfare and Law Departments at the Secretariat on Monday, CM Naidu said, “We are committed to delivering justice to tribal communities and restoring what was unfairly taken away from them.”

G.O. No. 3, issued in 2000 during the previous TDP-led government, had reserved 100% of teacher posts in Agency areas for local Scheduled Tribes (STs)—a move hailed as a milestone in tribal empowerment. It was introduced following legal complexities that emerged from an earlier G.O. in 1986.

Naidu recalled that the 2000 G.O. helped secure 4,626 teaching jobs for tribal youth in remote regions. However, legal challenges led to the Supreme Court striking down the G.O. in 2020, citing constitutional concerns. The Chief Minister severely criticised the previous YSRCP administration for its negligent handling of the case.

“The earlier government failed to even file a timely review petition, which ultimately led to the Supreme Court rejecting it outright. As a result, tribal youth were denied opportunities they rightfully deserved,” said Naidu. As part of his election promise, Naidu is now exploring pathways to reinstate or replicate the benefits of G.O. No. 3, without violating constitutional limits.

Officials briefed the Chief Minister on three legal options: Reintroducing 100% reservation for local STs in Agency areas with stronger legal backing. Proportional reservations based on tribal population percentages in respective Agency areas.

Implementing a reservation cap under 50%, as per Supreme Court guidelines, but exclusively for local STs within that limit. CM Naidu directed officials to study these options comprehensively, incorporating views from legal and constitutional experts at the national level, tribal welfare organizations, and the affected communities themselves.

Naidu instructed departments to examine the Supreme Court verdict, review existing laws safeguarding tribal rights, and suggest legally sound ways to restore or compensate for the withdrawn benefits. He also emphasized that any new framework must withstand legal scrutiny and be built on solid constitutional ground. “We are not going to leave any opportunity unexplored. Tribal communities must regain what they lost due to legal lapses and political indifference,” the CM asserted.

Beyond job reservations, Naidu reiterated his broader tribal welfare vision, which includes enhancing education and healthcare access in Agency regions, implementing special development schemes, and improving living standards. “We are working to uplift tribal communities not just with policy, but with action. The revival of G.O. 3—or an equivalent alternative—is central to that mission,” said the Chief Minister.