Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel writes to PM Modi, seeks new OBC column in census

In December 2022, Chhattisgarh assembly passed two laws that sought to hike OBC quota to 27% from the present 14% and the SC quota to 13% from 12%

Updated on: Aug 29, 2023, 18:35:57 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to demand that the Centre conduct the decadal census and that this should have a separate column to collect data about people from the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel recalled that he had sought 27% reservation for OBCs in April this year (PTI)

Baghel recalled that he had sought 27% reservation for Chhattisgarh’s OBCs and requested the law on this issue be included in the ninth schedule of the Constitution.

“I am sure you will agree that it is necessary to provide reservation to the large population of OBCs, who have been deprived of socio-political rights for centuries. This decision is necessary to keep up the spirit of equality and social justice provided by the constitution,” the chief minister said in his letter to PM Modi.

Baghel referred to Chhattisgarh Public Service (Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes Reservation) Amendment Act and an amendment bill related to admission in educational institutions that were passed by the assembly during a special session in December last year but were stuck in Raj Bhavan.

The legislation proposed to hike OBC quota to 27% from the present 14% and the SC quota to 13% from 12%, in line with the population of these two communities. It also proposed 4% reservation to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), taking the total extent of reservation in the state to 76%.

Baghel said that denying constitutional rights to this major part of the population would inevitably upset them.

“It is beyond comprehension that despite all the efforts of the state government, people belonging to other backward classes are not being provided the benefit of 27% reservation,” Baghel said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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