Members of the National BC Welfare Association staged a demonstration at Dharna Chowk in Vijayawada on Thursday, highlighting struggles faced by the people of the communities in the State.

They said many BC Welfare Hostels lack basic amenities, while some others are in need of immediate repair. They also pointed out that after the reservations for BC in local self-government institutions were reduced, political opportunities for BC have reduced. They demanded that reservations be increased to 34% again.

They also demanded that BC centres be established in all district headquarters to organise social, educational and cultural programmes.

A major chunk of the BC communities continues to depend on traditional occupations for their livelihoods, which have taken a hit due to industrialisation. This has resulted in their incomes declining and creating an atmosphere of financial insecurity for them, the leaders said.

They also demanded a BC Protection Act to prevent discrimination, violence, and social humiliation against BC communities and to safeguard their welfare and interests.