<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>Background and Historical Context
The Government Order (G.O.) Ms. No. 674, often referred to as the Presidential Order for Telangana, was a landmark directive issued by the Government of India aimed at addressing the longstanding regional imbalances and grievances of the Telangana region. This order was part of a broader effort to ensure equitable opportunities and representation for the people of Telangana in public employment and Education. The historical context of G.O.Ms.No.674 is deeply rooted in the socio-political developments following the Formation Of Andhra Pradesh in 1956 and the subsequent agitations and demands for a separate Telangana state.
In 1956, the States Reorganization Act facilitated the merger of the Telangana region of the erstwhile Hyderabad State with the Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh. This merger was accompanied by the Gentlemen's Agreement, which sought to safeguard the interests of Telangana by ensuring fair representation and distribution of Resources. However, the perceived failure to implement these safeguards effectively led to widespread dissatisfaction and unrest in Telangana, culminating in the 1969 Telangana Agitation.
The 1969 agitation was a significant mass movement demanding statehood for Telangana, driven by issues of economic neglect, lack of employment opportunities, and inadequate educational facilities. In response to the agitation, the central government, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, introduced the six-point formula in 1973, which aimed to address the concerns of both Andhra and Telangana regions. One of the key outcomes of the six-point formula was the issuance of G.O.Ms.No.674, also known as the Presidential Order, in 1975.
Provisions of G.O.Ms.No.674
G.O.Ms.No.674, issued on October 20, 1975, provided a framework for equitable opportunities and representation in public employment and education for the people of Telangana. The key provisions of the Presidential Order are as follows:
Local Cadres and Zones: The order established the creation of local cadres and the division of the state into six zones for the purpose of public employment. These zones were intended to ensure that employment opportunities in government Services were distributed equitably among different regions. Local cadres were to be created in each zone, and recruitment to these cadres was to be based on domicile requirements to ensure that local candidates received preference.
Reservation in Public Employment: The order mandated reservation in public employment for local candidates from each zone. It specified that 70% of the vacancies in non-gazetted posts (excluding certain categories like Class-IV and lower-level posts) in each zone were to be filled by candidates who had resided in that zone for at least 15 years. This provision aimed to address the imbalance in public employment opportunities and ensure fair representation for Telangana residents.
Reservation in Educational Institutions: G.O.Ms.No.674 also provided for reservation in educational institutions, particularly in professional courses and universities. The order stipulated that a certain Percentage of seats in educational institutions should be reserved for local candidates from each zone. This measure was intended to promote balanced educational development and ensure that students from Telangana had access to quality education and professional courses.
Establishment of Tribunals/”>Administrative Tribunals: The order provided for the establishment of administrative tribunals to handle grievances related to public employment. These tribunals were empowered to address complaints regarding appointments, seniority, promotion, and other service matters. The decisions of the tribunals were binding and not subject to Judicial Review by any court other than The Supreme Court.
Presidential Orders and Guidelines: G.O.Ms.No.674 authorized the President of India to issue orders and guidelines to implement its provisions effectively. The President, in consultation with the State Government, was empowered to issue directives to ensure compliance with the order and address any issues arising from its implementation.
Implementation and Impact
The implementation of G.O.Ms.No.674 had a significant impact on the socio-economic and administrative landscape of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Telangana. The order's provisions for local cadres, reservation in public employment, and educational institutions aimed to address the long-standing grievances of Telangana and promote regional Equity. The key impacts of the implementation of G.O.Ms.No.674 are as follows:
Equitable Distribution of Public Employment: The creation of local cadres and the reservation of posts for local candidates helped in addressing the regional imbalances in public employment. This measure ensured that residents of Telangana had a fair share of government jobs, which had previously been dominated by candidates from other regions. The implementation of this provision helped in promoting regional representation and inclusivity in the state's administrative machinery.
Promotion of Educational Equity: The reservation of seats in educational institutions for local candidates contributed to promoting educational equity in Telangana. This measure ensured that students from the region had access to quality education and professional courses, which had previously been limited. The increased representation of Telangana students in educational institutions helped in reducing regional disparities in educational attainment.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism: The establishment of administrative tribunals provided a mechanism for addressing grievances related to public employment. These tribunals played a crucial role in ensuring transparency and fairness in recruitment, promotion, and other service-related issues. The tribunals' decisions were binding, providing a reliable avenue for employees to seek redressal for their grievances.
Enhanced Regional Representation: The implementation of G.O.Ms.No.674 contributed to enhanced regional representation in government services and educational institutions. This measure helped in addressing the historical neglect and marginalization of Telangana, ensuring that the region's residents had a voice in the state's administration and development.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its positive impact, the implementation of G.O.Ms.No.674 faced several challenges and criticisms. Some of the key challenges and criticisms are as follows:
Effective Enforcement: One of the major challenges was the effective enforcement of the provisions related to local cadres and reservations. There were instances where the intended benefits did not reach the targeted regions and communities, leading to continued discontent and demands for more effective implementation. Ensuring compliance with the domicile requirements and preventing manipulation of records were significant challenges.
Capacity and Efficiency of Tribunals: While the establishment of administrative tribunals provided a mechanism for grievance redressal, these tribunals faced challenges related to capacity and efficiency. There were concerns about delays in the resolution of cases and the need for strengthening the tribunals' capacity to handle a large number of grievances effectively.
Perceived Inequities: Critics of G.O.Ms.No.674 argued that the provisions were primarily focused on addressing regional disparities within the framework of a unified state, without fully addressing the demand for a separate Telangana state. The underlying issues of cultural identity, historical grievances, and political representation continued to fuel the demand for statehood.
Periodic Review and Updating: The periodic review and updating of Presidential Orders and guidelines under G.O.Ms.No.674 were seen as necessary but insufficient in addressing the evolving needs and challenges of the state. There were calls for a more comprehensive and dynamic approach to addressing regional disparities and promoting balanced development.
Role in the Telangana Movement
G.O.Ms.No.674 played a significant role in the broader context of the Telangana Movement. While the provisions of the order were aimed at addressing regional disparities, the perceived inadequacies in their implementation contributed to the continued demand for a separate Telangana state. The movement for statehood, which had its roots in the 1969 Telangana Agitation, gained momentum in the 2000s, culminating in the formation of Telangana in 2014.
The Telangana Movement highlighted the limitations of G.O.Ms.No.674 in addressing the deep-rooted socio-economic and political grievances of the region. The movement's leaders and activists argued that the special provisions, while beneficial, were not sufficient to ensure the development and representation of Telangana within a unified Andhra Pradesh. The demand for statehood was driven by a desire for greater autonomy, self-governance, and recognition of Telangana's distinct identity.
The eventual bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the creation of Telangana state in 2014 were seen as a culmination of decades of struggle and agitation for regional Justice and equity. The formation of Telangana marked a new chapter in the region's history, with a renewed focus on addressing its unique needs and aspirations.
Continuing Relevance and Future Prospects
G.O.Ms.No.674 continues to hold relevance in the context of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The provisions related to equitable distribution of employment opportunities and educational reservations remain important for promoting regional equity and inclusivity. The administrative tribunals and Presidential Orders under the order provide mechanisms for addressing grievances and ensuring fairness in public employment and education.
In the context of Andhra Pradesh, the special provisions of G.O.Ms.No.674 remain relevant for addressing regional disparities and promoting balanced development. The state continues to face challenges related to equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, and the implementation of G.O.Ms.No.674 can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges.
For Telangana, the formation of a separate state has provided an opportunity to focus on its unique needs and aspirations. While the provisions of G.O.Ms.No.674 were instrumental in addressing some of the region's grievances within a unified Andhra Pradesh, the creation of Telangana has allowed for a more focused and comprehensive approach to regional development and representation.
The future prospects of G.O.Ms.No.674 will depend on the continued commitment to regional equity and inclusivity. The effective implementation of the order's provisions, periodic review and updating of guidelines, and strengthening of administrative tribunals will be crucial for ensuring that the intended benefits reach the targeted regions and communities.
The broader lessons from the experience of G.O.Ms.No.674 can also inform policy and governance approaches in other states and regions facing similar challenges. The emphasis on equitable distribution of resources, regional representation, and grievance redressal can serve as guiding principles for addressing regional disparities and promoting balanced development.
G.O.Ms.No.674, also known as the Presidential Order for Telangana, was a significant directive aimed at addressing regional imbalances and promoting equitable opportunities in public employment and education in Andhra Pradesh. The order's provisions for local cadres, reservations, and grievance redressal mechanisms played a crucial role in addressing the long-standing grievances of Telangana. While the implementation of G.O.Ms.No.674 had a positive impact, it also faced challenges and criticisms. The order played a significant role in the broader context of the Telangana Movement, highlighting the need for more comprehensive approaches to regional development and representation. The continuing relevance and future prospects of G.O.Ms.No.674 will depend on effective implementation, periodic review, and a commitment to regional equity and inclusivity.