Six Point Formula

During the periods of the Separate Telangana and Separate Andhra Movements, discussions were held between the central government and regional leaders. Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi and Home Minister K.C. Pant formulated the Six Point Formula, which was officially announced on September 28, 1973.

Details of the Six Point Formula:

1. Development Focus: Immediate attention to the development of backward areas through a State Planning Board consisting of regional MLAs and experts, with specific funding and timelines.
2. Uniform Privileges: Equitable privileges for Telangana natives, including the establishment of a Central University in Hyderabad to enhance higher educational facilities.
3. Employment Priority: Prioritization of locals in certain job categories, emphasizing fair recruitment practices across various governmental levels to ensure efficient governance.
4. Administrative Tribunal: Creation of a tribunal to address and resolve service-related issues, with a mandate that its decisions be implemented by the State Government.
5. Constitutional Amendments: Proposal for amending the Indian Constitution to accommodate and enforce these rules in cases of legal disputes.
6. Obsolete Rules: Assertion that previous regulations such as the Mulki rules and the Telangana Local Committee would become redundant upon successful implementation of these measures.

Implementation and Impact:

• The Six Point Programme received approval from the Andhra Congress working committee on October 1, 1973, leading to the cessation of the Andhra Agitation.
• Legalization of the plan through a constitutional amendment was agreed upon by the central government on December 18, leading to the enactment of the 52nd constitutional amendment, effective from July 1, 1974.
• The previously established Telangana Regional Committee was dissolved as of January 1 by presidential order, following the implementation of the Six Point Formula.

Political Developments:

• Political stability was briefly achieved under the leadership of Jalagam Vengal Rao, appointed by PM Indira Gandhi in 1973 as the leader of the legislative assembly.
• The subsequent elections saw shifts in power, including the defeat of Congress and the election of Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy as CM in 1978, who declared the resolution of the Separate Telangana issue.

Challenges and Criticisms:

• Implementation faced criticism for reducing residency requirements from 15 years to 4 years, adversely impacting the benefits intended for Telangana residents.
• The replacement of the Telangana Regional Committee with Development Plan Boards was deemed ineffective, and these boards were later abolished in 1985.
• Issues arose with the lack of representation from Telangana in the new Central University and in employment, where new rules facilitated job opportunities for Seemandhra people, undermining the intended benefits for Telangana.

Further Implications:

• The implementation led to political unrest and dissatisfaction among the youth, with some being drawn towards extremist philosophies.
• Claims of illegal appointments and violation of the Six Point Plan’s safeguards emerged, indicating ongoing tensions and challenges in achieving the intended equity and stability.