PM Must Clarify Modalities of Caste Census 2027 and Protect 42% BC Reservations Under Schedule IX: AIOBCSA

Hyderabad- In the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Hyderabad, the All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA) demanded an immediate clarification from the Union Government regarding the conduct of Caste Census 2027 and the constitutional protection of 42% BC Reservations in Education, Employment, and Local Bodies by including the relevant legislations in Schedule IX of the Indian Constitution, similar to the Tamil Nadu model.

AIOBCSA expressed serious concern over the lack of clarity in the ongoing Census framework. The organisation pointed out that during the first stage of the Census process, namely the House Hold Level Operations (HLO), only Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are being enumerated. The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India has stated that caste enumeration would be conducted in the second stage, namely Population Enumeration (PE). However, the modalities and methodology of the caste census have not yet been clearly defined by the Union Government.

The organisation questioned whether the caste enumeration would be conducted based on State Backward Class lists or the Central OBC list, and sought clarity on how data relating to upper castes and other communities would be scientifically collected. AIOBCSA stated that without transparent modalities and a clear framework, the objective of conducting a comprehensive and credible caste census would remain incomplete.

AIOBCSA asserted that the collection of comprehensive caste-based socio-economic, educational, and employment data through Census 2027 is essential for the empowerment of OBC communities and for ensuring evidence-based policymaking in the country. Such data is crucial to present the realities of backward communities before the judiciary and to constitutionally safeguard reservation policies from repeated legal challenges.

The organisation further questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who publicly identifies himself as belonging to the OBC community, to clarify his government’s commitment towards conducting a transparent and meaningful caste census. AIOBCSA stated that genuine social justice cannot be achieved without accurate caste data reflecting the actual conditions of OBCs, MBCs, EBCs, and other marginalized communities.

AIOBCSA also demanded that the Central Government extend constitutional protection to the 42% BC Reservations in Telangana by placing the reservation legislations under Schedule IX of the Indian Constitution, following the Tamil Nadu precedent, to shield them from judicial interference.

AIOBCSA National President Gowd Kiran Kumar stated that the organisation would support the movement led by National Advisor Er. Alla Ramakrishna against Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Hyderabad, along with various BC organisations and demand caste census and constitutional protection for BC reservations.

National Secretary Lakshmi Narsaiah, Telangana State Working President Ganesh Goud, OU leader Shiva Yadav, and Praveen announced that the organisation would stage a protest tomorrow, emphasizing that the issue has become a major concern for OBC youth across the country, particularly in Telangana.

The leaders reiterated that caste census and constitutional protection for BC reservations are democratic necessities for ensuring equality, representation, and social justice in India.