OBC Leaders Demand Dedicated Central Ministry and Comprehensive Bill to Empower Backward Classes

Hyderabad: In a strong push for greater political and constitutional safeguards, the National President of the National BC Dal, Dundra Kumara Swamy, has urged the Union government to immediately establish an exclusive Ministry for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at the Centre. He also called for the introduction of a comprehensive Backward Classes (BC) Bill in both Parliament and state legislatures to protect the social, economic, political, and constitutional rights of OBC communities.

Speaking at the National OBC Executive Committee meeting organised by the National BC Dal, Kumara Swamy, who also chairs the BC Reservations Coordination Joint Action Committee (JAC), emphasised the urgent need to launch a nationwide movement to reshape the future of Backward Classes. "Political power can only be achieved through ideological clarity and sustained mobilisation," he asserted, accusing successive central governments of prolonged neglect of OBC issues.

The meeting began with a moment of collective grief and solidarity over the tragic death of a minor in Kummari village, Nagarkurnool district. Participants held placards expressing condolences to the bereaved family and demanding justice and accountability.

The event was attended by former Director General of Police and National Coordinator of the All India Bahujan Samaj Party, Purna Chandra Rao, along with leaders of BC associations from eight states, representatives of various caste organisations, intellectuals, advocates, social activists, and leaders of student, youth, and women’s groups.

During the programme, social activist D.V.V. Satyanarayana was appointed President of the organisation for the Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Kumara Swamy demanded that the forthcoming national Census include caste enumeration with a clearly defined OBC column. He criticised inadequate budgetary allocations for OBC communities and reiterated the demand for:

• An exclusive BC Ministry at the Union level

• A comprehensive BC Bill in Parliament and state legislatures

• Raising the non-creamy layer income ceiling from ₹8 lakh to ₹15 lakh

• Extension of reservation in promotions to OBC employees

Satyanarayana affirmed his commitment to pursuing constitutional safeguards, equitable reservations, and proportionate representation for Backward Classes in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Participants expressed concern over the delay in implementing the recommendations of the Justice Rohini Commission, whose report was submitted on July 31, 2023.

It was announced that a national delegation would tour Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh to strengthen unity among OBC communities.

Speakers 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 the meeting.

The programme was coordinated by Rajesh, Greater Hyderabad Secretary of the National BC Dal. Participants resolved to build a united, democratic movement across the country to secure the lawful rights of Backward Classes within the framework of the Constitution.

A concrete action plan for the nationwide movement would be announced shortly.