Cabinet approves extension of term for panel examining sub-categorisation of OBCs

The Union Cabinet Wednesday approved an extension of six months in the term of the five-member commission examining sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the Central list.

This is the seventh extension of the term given to the commission, formed in October 2017.

"The proposed extension of tenure shall enable the Commission to submit a comprehensive report on the issue of sub-categorisation of OBCs, after consultation with various stake holders," an official statement said.

The cabinet in May had extended the term of the panel headed by Justice G Rohini (retd), which is examining the crucial issue of creating quota within quota, till July 31.

The tenure of the commission which was to end on July 31, has now been extended till January 31, 2020.

The commission has held extensive meetings with all the stakeholders, including state governments, state backward classes commissions, community associations and general public, since its formation.

It has also obtained records, caste-wise data of OBCs admitted in higher educational institution as well as similar caste-wise data of recruits in central government departments, central public sector undertakings, public sector banks and financial institutions.

The panel was mandated to examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes or communities in the central list of OBCs.

It was also tasked with working out a mechanism, criteria, norms and parameters for sub-categorisation within such OBCs and taking up the exercise of identifying castes, sub-castes and communities and classifying them into respective sub-categories.

The commission, which was stipulated to submit its report within 10 weeks from assumption of charge by the chairperson, has been granted several extensions since its formation citing voluminous data obtained from all quarters and the time required for its scientific analysis to prepare a comprehensive report.