BC Commission warns Village Development Committees against social boycotts

HYDERABAD

Around 90 victims of alleged social and caste boycott in various villages of Nizamabad district have submitted a complaint to the Telangana Backward Classes Commission (TGCBC) alleging harassment by Village Development Committees (VDCs) in the name of village development.

A team of the Commission led by its chairman G. Niranjan along with members Tirumalagiri Surender, Rapolu Jayaprakash and Balalakshmi interacted with the victims at the Integrated District Office Complex (IDOC) here. VDCs consist of people from all castes in the village. The victims told about examples of social boycott and fines and submitted written complaints. After taking cognizance of the reported social boycott by members of the Goud community at Thallarampur village in Ergatla mandal and similar incidents in other parts of the district, Mr. Niranjan directed the district administration and police to take strict action against VDCs that were violating the law and subjecting people to social boycott or imposing fines.

He said it was unfortunate that social boycott and other such practices continued even decades after independence and formation of Telangana. Later, the commission members held a review meeting with Collector Ila Tripathi and senior revenue and police officials. They sought details of incidents reported in the district and action taken against the concerned VDCs.

Mr. Niranjan suggested that a special committee comprising an additional collector and police and revenue officials be constituted to monitor the functioning of the VDCs at the field level. He also called for prompt legal aid, including free legal aid for victims. The Collector assured the Commission that the district administration would take strict measures to curb social boycotts and check excesses by the VDCs.

Published – 7 Oct 2026 22:07 IST