NCBC Pushes for Inclusive OBC List in Maharashtra

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has suggested including several Maharashtra communities in the Central List of Other Backward Classes, aiding their access to educational and employment reservations. Hearings in Mumbai preceded this recommendation to the Union government, intended to enhance socioeconomic inclusivity.

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has recommended that several communities from Maharashtra be added to the Central List of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The advisory, issued to the government on Wednesday, includes proposals to include communities such as Lodh, Lodha, Lodhi; Badgujar; Suryavanshi Gujar; Leve Gujar, Reve Gujar, Reva Gujar; Dangari; Bhoyar, Pawar; and Kapewar, among others.

These recommendations came after hearings conducted by the NCBC's two-member bench, comprising chairperson Hansraj Gangaram Ahir and member Bhuvan Bhushan Kamal. The hearings took place in Mumbai on October 17, 2023, and July 26, 2024. The NCBC has submitted its advice to the Union government as of October 8, 2024, aiming to provide these communities with better socioeconomic opportunities through reservations in education and government employment.

(With inputs from agencies.)