State seeks feedback on new zonal system

The terms ‘local’ and ‘non-local’ are all set to be redefined in Telangana state for reservations in employment and education.

As per committee’s recommendations, Zone-I will comprise nine districts: Adilabad, Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Medak, Siddipet and Sangareddy.

Zone-II will have eleven districts: Jagitial, Peddapalli, Siricilla, Karimnagar, Bhoopalapally, Warangal urban, Warangal rural, Janagoan, Mahabubabad, Kothagudem, Khammam.

In Zone-III, there will be only three districts — Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy and Medchal districts.

In Zone-IV, will have eight districts: Vikarabad, Mahabubnagar, Wanaparthi, Gadwal, Nagarkurnool, Nalgonda, Yadadri, Suryapet.

At present, there are four cadres in state goverment jobs — district, zonal, multi zonal, state cadres). The committee recommended to make this to three by scrapping multi-zonal cadre.

The zones in undivided AP were created in 1973 as per Presidential Order issued under Article 371(d) of the Constitution to ensure equitable job opportunities for Telangana, Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.

The TS government now needs to seek amendment to Article 371(d) to bring these proposed changes. For this, it needs to pass the proposed changes in the Cabinet meeting and send them to the President for approval.

The draft new zonal system has been referred to various employees associations to seek their feedback. Another Cabinet sub-committee headed by finance minister Etela Rajender will discuss with employees associations on the draft and submit a report to government. The recommendations will be referred to the Cabinet for approval.