• UGI USER
  • Aug 06, 2024
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SUPREME COURT INQUIRY INTO WEST BENGAL’S OBC CLASSIFICATION

Why in the news?

The Supreme Court is scrutinising West Bengal’s process for classifying 77 communities as OBCs, questioning data validity and consultation procedures, following a High Court order that cancelled OBC certificates.

Background of the Appeal:

  • The appeal challenges a Calcutta High Court order that cancelled all OBC certificates issued since
  • The High Court found that religion seemed to be the main criterion for granting OBC status.

Process and Data Request:

  • The Supreme Court has asked West Bengal to explain its process for classifying 77 communities, mainly Muslim, as Other Backward Class (OBC).
  • The Court seeks details on the quantifiable data showing the backwardness of these communities and whether the state consulted the backward classes commission.
source:medium
What is Other Backward Class (OBC)?

About:

  • OBC includes socially and educationally backward citizens.
  • The Supreme Court mandates excluding the “creamy layer”—those who are no longer considered backward.

Process of Inclusion:

  • National Commission for Backward Classes(NCBC) reviews caste inclusion requests.
  • Proposals are forwarded to the Union government for approval and legislation.
  • President notifies approved changes.

Constitutional Provisions:

  • Article 15(4): Allows special provisions for OBC advancement, including reservations and financial aid.
  • Article 16(4): Empowers reservation of appointments for OBCs.

Union Government’s Achievements:

  • Added 16 communities to the Central OBC list since 2014.
  • Enacted 105th Amendment to protect 671 State OBC communities‘ benefits.