Kolkata, 20 May (H.S.): The West Bengal government on Tuesday took a significant administrative decision to reinstate 66 communities into the state’s Other Backward Classes (OBC) list, which were earlier included prior to 2010. The move is being viewed as a major development in the state’s social justice and reservation policy framework under the newly formed administration.

According to an official notification issued by the Backward Classes Welfare Department, these 66 categories had earlier been part of the OBC list and have now been formally retained again. Policy experts suggest the decision could alter the competitive dynamics within the OBC category in terms of access to reservations and state employment opportunities.

The notification states that the decision has been implemented in compliance with a Division Bench order of the Calcutta High Court dated May 22, 2024.

It is noteworthy that the court had earlier struck down the previous reservation structure, including provisions related to 10 percent and 7 percent quotas under the OBC category. Following this, the total reservation for OBC communities in the state has now been set at 7 percent.

The order issued by the Governor’s office clarified that these 66 communities will now be eligible for benefits under the 7 percent reservation in state government services and posts.

The reinstated groups include communities such as Kapali, Kurmi, Nai (Napit), Tanti, Dhank, Kasai, Khandayat, Turha, Paharia Muslim, Devanga, and Hajjam (Muslim), among several other traditional and socio-cultural groups.

The notification also mentions that individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes who have converted to Christianity, along with their descendants, have been included within the list.

The state government stated that the decision is intended to ensure social justice and transparency in accordance with judicial directions.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh