Andhra Pradesh Mandal Praja Parishads, Zilla Praja Parishad and Zilla Abhivrudhi Sameaksha Mandals Act of 1986 attempted for providing reservations to backward castes in PRIs. The political participation of social categories began after the 73rd amendment Act, and its obligation on the state of Andhra Pradesh passed a subsequent act known as Andhra Pradesh Panchayt raj Amendment Act of 1994. As per the act, 33% of seats are to be reserved to OBCs in all the institutions of PRIs with a definite vision of development of these sections. Inspite of the provisions of the State Legislature, the people belonging to weaker sections are unable to work in the institutions of panchayatraj independently. Among the several factors the social system and the structure of caste in Andhra Pradesh have predominant over the activities of Backward Categories and control over PRIs. The reservation provisions in PRIs have adverse effect on some castes of Backwards. In faction prone district like Anantapur, the people belonging to lower castes within BCs have suffered economically, last their lives, belongings, rivalries within blood relations and facing criminal cases. Thus, the present study intends to analyse the impact of 73rd constitutional amendment act on the participation of backward castes. It also examines role of social status, economic conditions within BCs to capture positions in PRIs.
Backward Castes, Political Participation, Agricultural Resources, Reservations
