Extension of OBC Sub categorisation Commission

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the extension of the term of the Commission to examine the issue of Sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes, by 6 months i.e. upto 31.1.2021.

The Commission headed by Justice (Retd.) G. Rohini was constituted under Article 340 of the Constitution with the approval of the President on 2nd October, 2017.
It was set up to examine the possibility of creating categories within OBCs for the reservation to ensure “equitable distribution” of representation among all OBC communities.
Its objectives include
- To examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes or communities included in the broad category of Other Backward Classes with reference to such classes included in the Central List;
- To work out a mechanism, criteria, norm and parameters through a scientific approach for sub-categorisation within the OBCs;
- To take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes or communities or sub-castes or synonyms in the Central List of OBCs and classifying them into their respective sub-categories.

The Commission has come to the view that it would require some more time to submit its report since the repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors of spelling or transcription etc. appearing in the existing Central List of OBCs need to be cleared.
Also due to the nationwide lockdown and restrictions on travel imposed on account of COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission was not able to perform the task assigned to it.
Therefore, the term of the Commission is being extended for a period of 6 more months i.e. up to 31.1.2021.

The Commission is likely to make recommendations for the benefit of marginalized communities in the Central List of OBCs which have not been able to get any major benefit of the scheme of reservation for OBCs for appointment in Central Government posts and for admission in Central Government Educational Institutions.

Article 340 deals with appointment of a Commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes

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 and as to the grants that should be made for the purpose by the Union or any State the conditions subject to which such grants should be made, and the order appointing such Commission shall define the procedure to be followed by the Commission.
A Commission so appointed shall investigate the matters referred to them and present to the President a report setting out the facts as found by them and making such recommendations as they think proper
The President shall cause a copy of the report so presented together with a memorandum explaining the action taken thereon to be laid before each House of Parliament.

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