OBC sub-categorisation: report not before 2019 LS polls

The Commission appointed to look into sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the central list, is unlikely to submit its report before the Lok Sabha elections next year.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday approved a proposal to extend the term of the Commission for the fifth time. The Commission was appointed by President Ram Nath Kovind more than a year ago.

“The Union Cabinet has approved an extension of the term of the Commission for six months till May 21, 2019,” the government said in a statement after the Cabinet meeting.

The five-member Commission, headed by Justice (retd) G Rohini, was supposed to submit its report this month.

The Commission has held “extensive” meetings with the stake holders, including State governments, State Backward Classes Commissions, various community associations and general public belonging to backward classes and Commissions.

It has also obtained caste-wise records of the OBCs admitted in higher educational institutions and recruits in central government departments, central public sector undertakings, public sector banks and financial institutions.

“Based on the emanating information from the processed and analysed data, the Commission has said that a round of discussion with the States and their Backward Classes Commissions was required before finalising the sub-categorised lists and the report,” the government said.

Same reason

Interestingly, the government had cited the same reasons during the previous extension of the Commission's term on August 9.

The President had appointed the Commission on October 2, 2017, two months after the Union Cabinet approved a proposal of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in this connection.

“This decision, taken on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, reinforces the Government's efforts to achieve greater social justice and inclusion for all, and specifically members of the OBC,” the government had then said, notifying the appointment of the Commission.

Quota within quota

The stratification of the OBC quota could lead to a quota within quota for OBCs, a move that may have far reaching impact on national politics.

This could affect educationally and socially advanced communities within the backward classes like Yadavas, who are considered to have benefited from the policy of positive discrimination recommended by the Mandal Commission.