Centre Urged to Establish Exclusive Ministry for OBCs
Comprehensive BC Bill Demanded in Parliament and State Legislatures
National BC Dal President Dundra kumara swamy on Sunday demanded the immediate establishment of an exclusive Ministry for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at the Centre and the introduction of a comprehensive BC Bill in Parliament and State Legislatures to safeguard the constitutional, social, economic and political rights of Backward Class communities.
The meeting began with expressions of grief over the tragic death of a minor in Kummari village of Nagarkurnool district. Participants displayed placards and conveyed their deep condolences to the bereaved family, calling for justice and accountability.
Addressing the National OBC Executive Committee meeting organised under the aegis of the National BC Dal, its National President and Chairman of the BC Reservations Coordination JAC, Dundra Kumara Swamy, called for the building of a nationwide movement aimed at transforming the future of OBC communities.
The meeting witnessed the participation of former Director General of Police and National Coordinator of the All India Bahujan Samaj Party, Purna Chandra Rao, along with BC association leaders from eight States, representatives of various caste organisations, intellectuals, advocates, social activists, and leaders of student, youth and women’s groups. The deliberations, participants said, provided a renewed national direction for the political empowerment of Backward Classes.
During the meeting, D.V.V. Satyanarayana, a noted social activist, was appointed President of the organisation for the Telugu States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The appointment letter was formally handed over by Mr. Kumara Swamy amid felicitations from community leaders.
In his address, Mr. Kumara Swamy stated that a concrete action plan for a national movement to secure the legitimate demands of OBCs would be announced shortly. “Political power is attainable only through ideological clarity and sustained mobilisation,” he observed. He accused successive Central governments of neglecting OBC concerns for decades and demanded that the forthcoming national Census mandatorily include caste enumeration with a clearly defined OBC column.
He criticised what he termed as inadequate budgetary allocations for OBCs, who constitute a substantial segment of the country’s population. He reiterated the demand for an exclusive BC Ministry at the Union level, a comprehensive BC Bill in legislative bodies, enhancement of the existing ₹8 lakh non-creamy layer income ceiling to ₹15 lakh, and reservation in promotions for OBC employees.
Mr. Satyanarayana, in his remarks, affirmed that he would strive for constitutional safeguards, equitable reservations and proportionate representation for Backward Classes in both Telugu States.
The leaders also expressed concern over the delay in implementing the recommendations of the Justice Rohini Commission, which submitted its report on July 31, 2023. They noted that the report highlighted disparities in representation among various OBC communities and urged the Centre to act without further delay.
It was announced that a national delegation would soon tour Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to strengthen unity among OBC communities.
Speakers at the meeting included leaders of nomadic communities, academicians, and High Court advocates. Representatives from 30 caste associations and 35 other organisations, along with leaders from eight States, participated in what organisers described as a significant step towards forging national-level solidarity.
The programme was coordinated by Rajesh, Greater Hyderabad Secretary of the National BC Dal. Leaders resolved to build a united, democratic movement across the country to secure the lawful rights of Backward Classes and to continue their struggle within the framework of the Constitution.
