The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) advised the Union government to add Turpu Kapus, Kalinga Vysyas, Sistakaranalu, Sondi, and Arava communities residing in Andhra Pradesh to the Central list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
The NCBC recommendation is a prerequisite for the inclusion of any caste in the Central OBC list. The people from this community have a population of around 12 lakhs and are among the most backward communities with poor economic, social, and educational status. These communities are highly under-developed and 90% of their population is living below the poverty line. They are also not able to sustain their children’s education.
It is reported that the people from the four communities in AP have been agitating since the constitution of the Mandal Commission in 1979 for the inclusion of their castes in the Central list of OBCs.BJP MP G.V.L. Narasimha Rao met NCBC Chairman Hansraj Ahir in New Delhi and thanked him for acting on his request to include several backward castes from Andhra Pradesh in the Central list of OBCs. Narasimha initiated a public hearing, that was held by the NCBC in which a large number of representatives of these communities and political representatives participated in New Delhi on September 13.
“The NCBC recommendation is a big step towards achieving reservations for these extremely backward castes in Central government jobs and Central educational institutions,” said Mr. Narasimha Rao.
While Turpu Kapus currently have Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation limited to the districts of Uttarandhra, this recommendation seeks to extend OBC reservation for Turpu Kapus to encompass all districts of Andhra Pradesh.
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What is the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)?
National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is the authority to examine complaints and welfare measures regarding socially and educationally backward classes under Article 338B of the Indian Constitution, previously NCBC was a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Later, NCBC was accorded a constitutional status through 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018.
Article 342 A empowers the President to specify socially and educationally backward classes in various states and union territories. The President can do this in consultation with the Governor of the concerned State. However, law enacted by Parliament will be required if the list of backward classes is to be amended. It is important to note that, even though there is one SC & ST list for reservation benefits, in the case of OBCs, States were empowered to maintain their own list of OBCs to provide necessary benefits. So there is:
- Union OBC list for reservation in Central government jobs & Central Educational institutions.
- OBC lists at the State level (varies with each state) for reservation in State government jobs & State Educational institutions.