Chhattisgarh CM raises quota for SCs and OBCs

Till now, the reservations earmarked for OBCs, SCs and STs in state-run educational institutions and government jobs in Chhattisgarh were 14%, 12% and 32%, respectively.

Increasing the reservation for backward communities, creating an elephant reserve are among a slew of announcements Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel made at the Independence Day function in Raipur on Thursday.

Political observers say the Congress government led by Baghel is trying to create a “regional narrative” by moves like increasing the reservation for backward communities. (Vipin Kumar/HT PHOTO)

“Now 27% reservation will be provided to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), 13% to the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 32% to the Scheduled Tribes (STs),” Baghel said.

Till now, the reservations earmarked for OBCs, SCs and STs in state-run educational institutions and government jobs in Chhattisgarh were 14%, 12% and 32%, respectively.

Political observers say the Congress government led by Baghel is trying to create a “regional narrative” by moves like increasing the reservation for backward communities. “To fight the nationalistic slogan of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Baghel began ‘Chhattisgarh pride’ politics,” said Ashok Tomar, a political analyst.

In his Independent Day speech, Baghel also stressed on the protection of wildlife.