NI Bureau
Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson cites Tamil Nadu’s model; nationwide campaign announced, with next major event in Patna on April 27 by AIOBCSA
New Delhi, April 4, 2025:
The All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA) has renewed its demand for a nationwide caste census and constitutional protection for OBC reservation, calling for the inclusion of OBC rights under Schedule IX of the Constitution to shield them from legal scrutiny.
At a national public meeting held at the Constitution Club of India in Delhi, prominent voices from across the political and academic spectrum emphasized the need for stronger legal safeguards to protect and expand reservation for Other Backward Classes.
“If included in Schedule IX, reservation laws can’t be challenged in court,” said Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson, citing Tamil Nadu’s 69% quota law, which has remained intact due to its protection under Schedule IX. He urged political parties and social organizations to unite behind this demand.
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Telangana’s Backward Classes Minister Ponnam Prabhakar echoed the call for constitutional backing, stating, “We must build pressure on the Modi government to protect and extend reservation.” He advocated for Telangana’s reservation law to be similarly safeguarded under Schedule IX.
The event saw participation from student leaders, professors, activists, and policymakers, all highlighting the critical role of youth and intellectuals in the movement for social justice.
Pankaj Kushwaha, national convenor of AIOBCSA, announced that the organization will intensify its efforts across India, including protests, public meetings, and awareness drives. “From the streets to Parliament, we will push for a caste census, removal of the 50% reservation cap, and proper implementation of OBC rights,” he said. He also declared that the next major event will be held on April 27 in Patna, Bihar.
Alla Ramakrishna, national advisor of AIOBCSA, emphasized student solidarity: “Student unity can give new momentum to the movement.”
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Former Telangana Minister Srinivas Goud underlined the importance of political representation, saying, “Social justice doesn’t come by asking—it comes through representation. The OBC community must step up.”
Professors Suraj Mandal and Ratan Lal focused on the legacy of student-led movements in India’s social transformation, while former IAS officer Chiranjeevi stressed the role of intellectuals and policymakers in shaping just policies.
Student leaders from various universities, including Ilaiya Kumar (SFD), Ritu Anupama (Reservation Club, JNU), Akshan Ranjan (Student RJD), Mahesh, and Rakesh, expressed strong support for the campaign, calling for broader participation from youth across the country.
