OBC sub-categorisation: Justice G Rohini Commission gets extension

The Center has extended until January 31, 2023, the term of the Commission to Examine Sub-Categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), which is led by Justice G Rohini, a former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. Ten extensions have been granted to the panel since it was established on October 2, 2017.

In order to subdivide OBCs and ensure that everyone receives the benefits of reservation, the commission was established by the President in accordance with Article 340 of the Indian Constitution. "The President may, by order, appoint a Commission consisting of such persons as he thinks fit to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes within the territory of India and the difficulties under which they labour and to make recommendations as to the steps that should be taken by the Union or any State to remove such difficulties and to improve their condition," the article states.

In India, OBCs are given a 27% reservation in positions and courses offered by the government. The desire for the sub-categorization stems from the fact that a small number of total communities receive the majority of the reserved jobs and spaces in educational institutions.

Data from 2018 shows that only 10 OBC communities have filled the 25% of federal positions and institutional seats that are reserved for them. Additionally, 25% of the OBC sub-castes have received 97% of the reserved employment and seats.

Of the 2,600 communities that fall under the OBC category, 983, or 37%, have no representation in occupations or institutions. Additionally, 994 castes have utilised only 2.68 percent of the reservation.

The commission was created to gather data because there is little information available on the population of different OBC subcategories. This should make the creation of formal OBC subcategories by the government easier and provide a more equitable representation of all subcommunities.

Additionally, the Commission has been requested to suggest changes to the spelling of sub-castes. It is anticipated that the mechanism, standards, norms, and parameters for sub-categorization will be developed in a scientific manner.

Read the full article @ Business Standard