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Backward classes panel bats for OBC census, says data will ensure welfare measures reach all

Centre had rejected demand for separate OBC column in 2021 Census. NCBC now makes a fresh pitch as a central panel is to submit report on sub-categorisation of OBCs in July.

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New Delhi: The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has sought caste census for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) as the deadline approaches for the Justice Rohini Commission to submit its data on sub-categorisation of OBCs.

The move comes a year after the Narendra Modi government rejected the demand for OBC data as a part of the 2021 census. Its decision was in response to the Maharashtra assembly’s unanimous resolution seeking a separate column on OBC data in Census 2021.

“The enumeration of OBCs, SEBCs will adversely affect the integrity of Census exercise and hence it has not been taken up in 2021 census,” the Centre had said in its reply to the Maharashtra government.

On Thursday, the NCBC sent a letter to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, recommending a separate OBC census, ThePrint has learnt.

Speaking to ThePrint, NCBC officials said a caste census for OBCs is needed to ensure effective distribution of welfare measures.

“More than sub-categorisation of castes, which the Rohini Commission is looking into, we want an OBC census on the lines of the caste census that has been done for the SCs and STs. Unless you know how many people are there, how will you ensure welfare measures reach them?” said a senior NCBC official, who didn’t wish to be identified.

The ThePrint reached NCBC Chairman Bhagwan Lal Sahni via phone call for a comment, but he did not respond.


Also read: Modi govt to launch helpline to register cases of atrocities against SCs and STs


Rohini Commission deadline

In 2017, the Modi government had constituted the Rohini Commission under former Delhi High Court chief justice G. Rohini to examine the sub-categorisation of OBCs.

Currently, 27 per cent reservation is set aside for OBCs in jobs, and seats in central government-funded educational institutes.

The Rohini panel has already received several extensions, with the Union Cabinet granting the latest in January 2021. It is now expected to submit its report in July.

NCBC officials said there is no word yet on whether the commission will get another extension. 

“We don’t know if the Rohini Commission will get another extension or not. The ministry will decide on that but sub-categorisation of OBC data is essential,” another senior NCBC official said on condition of anonymity.

‘First fill existing vacancies before examining quota cap’

While the Supreme Court has asked the states to respond on whether there is a need to reconsider the 50 per cent cap on reservations in accordance with the landmark Indra Sawhney judgment, the commission would rather have the government first ensure that existing vacancies for OBCs are filled, senior NCBC officials said.

“The SC may have asked states to give reports on increasing the cap but the cap has already been violated in different states, whether it’s Tamil Nadu or now Maharashtra. But before anything, the government needs to ensure that the reservation that is there is fulfilled. Twenty seven per cent reservation is there for OBC but even that is not filled anywhere,” the first official quoted above said.

“Now why it’s not filled is a question that the commission is examining. So the quota cap may be increased but need to fill the present quota first,” the official added.


Also read: Blacks in US aren’t as upwardly mobile as whites even if born into wealth: Harvard study


 

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