|
The Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Smt. Meira Kumar has called for similarity in approach between the National commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) and State Commissions for Backward Classes in making recommendations for inclusion of backward castes and communities in the Central/State lists. Inaugurating the 3rd National Conference of Backward Classes Commissions here today, Smt. Kumar said that there should be uniformity in the Central as well as the State lists in respect of inclusion of backward castes and communities. She said that NCBC should take the lead in this respect. Smt. Kumar called for a time bound programme for deciding claims of castes seeking recognition as backward classes. She said that such claims remain pending denying the benefit of reservation to the poor people, who may otherwise be eligible. The Minister said that a Reservation Act is being constituted to codify all executive orders issued for implementation of reservation to OBCs in civil posts and educational institutions. She urged the National and State level Commissions to act fast in preparing and consolidating a comprehensive region-wise, state-wise and district-wise data base of OBCs. She said this will enable the Government to improve the quality of decision making relating to welfare of OBCs. She expressed hope that the National and State Commissions will coordinate in expeditious preparation of the list of OBC castes/communities belonging to artisans/artisanal and hereditary occupations for purposes of exclusion from the purview of “creamy layer”.
The Chairman of the NCBC, Justice Ram Surat Singh, in his welcome address, urged the Government to vest in the Commission the necessary powers to deal with complaints of injustice to OBCs. He said that the State Commissions in Karnataka, UP and MP have more powers and functions enabling them to play an active role in the welfare of backward classes. The NCBC Chairman also called for granting reservation in educational institutions for OBCs at the National level.
The day-long conference is being attended by the Chairpersons of State Backward Classes Commissions from 22 States and one Union Territory. The conference has been organsied by the NCBC to discuss empowerment of Backward Class Commissions, preparation of data base for OBCs and list of Artisans belonging to hereditary occupations/callings for exclusion from the purview of “creamy layer”.
Backward classes constitute 52 per cent of the country’s population. They have been provided 27 per cent reservation in civil posts and services under the Central Government and Public Sector Undertakings. 2278 castes/communities from 26 States/Union Territories have been included in the Central List so far.
MLD:LK:sje-26(27.7)
|
