NI Bureau
New Delhi, 25 November 2024
The OBC Mahasabha has intensified its call for a nationwide caste census, emphasizing its importance for social justice and equitable representation for the OBC, SC, and ST communities. The event, held at the Press Club of India, brought together key social and political figures, stressing the need for accurate caste data to address systemic inequalities.
Despite a 27% reservation for OBCs in central government jobs and educational institutions, they hold only 14.6% of the 4.87 lakh central government posts, highlighting a significant shortfall in their rightful share.
OBC representation in top institutions like IITs, IIMs, and central universities remains minimal, raising concerns about institutional inclusivity and access to academic leadership roles.
Leaders at the event argued that accurate caste data is critical for effective policy reform, allowing for better resource allocation and more targeted affirmative action programs.
Former Governor Satpal Malik stressed, “A caste census is not just about numbers; it’s about moral responsibility. Without accurate data, we cannot address the injustices faced by marginalized communities.”
Dharmendra Singh Kushwaha, OBC Mahasabha National Core Committee Member, added, “A caste census will expose the gaps in resource allocation and representation, holding the system accountable.”
The OBC Mahasabha outlined three main reasons for the census:
1. To assess the true socio-economic conditions of backward classes.
2. To ensure fair distribution of resources and representation.
3. To drive policy reforms aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.
Call to Action
The event concluded with a strong demand for immediate implementation of a caste census. Dr. Asmita Singh, President of the Woman Cell, OBC Mahasabha, declared, “The caste-based census must be rolled out immediately.” The organization warned that failure to act would result in protests and mobilization by the OBC community to secure their rights.
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