The issue of inclusion of castes under Other Backward Classes (OBC) has always been the center of political and social debate in the country. Recently, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to include the Jat community in the OBC list of the Centre. But have you ever wondered what is the process of including a caste in the OBC list and how difficult it is? Let us know.
What is the matter?
Delhi Assembly elections are near, and meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding inclusion of Jat community in the OBC list of the Centre. He alleged that the central government is betraying the Jat community.
Kejriwal said that Jats and all other castes having OBC status in Delhi should get a place in the OBC list of the Centre. This statement has intensified the political stir and brought the issue to the center of discussion.
What is the process to include any caste in the OBC list?
Inclusion of any caste in the OBC list is a long and complex process. Government, experts, and legal process play an important role in this.
Main steps of the process:
- Seeking consensus and suggestions:
- First of all, the government seeks opinion from the general public, experts, and other stakeholders to add the concerned caste to the OBC list.
- Based on these suggestions, an expert team prepares the draft.
- Drafting and checking validity:
- the draft prepared Law Ministry Is sent to.
- There its validity and legal aspects are examined in depth.
- Cabinet approval:
- After getting the consent of the Law Ministry, this draft is sent to the Cabinet.
- After getting approval from the cabinet, it is presented in the Parliament.
- Passing a bill in Parliament:
- to the bill Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Is presented for debate.
- After getting approval from both the houses, it is sent to the President.
- Presidential Consent and Notification:
- After the assent of the President, the Bill is implemented through notification.
- Only after this the concerned caste is included in the OBC list.
Why is this process difficult?
- Legislative Barriers:
It is not easy to pass a bill in Parliament to add any caste to the OBC list. Majority and support is necessary in both the houses.
- Political consensus:
Many times this issue causes disputes between political parties, which delays the process.
- Social and Legal Challenges:
Inclusion of any caste in OBC may affect the interests of other castes, due to which there is a danger of disturbing the social balance.
- Data and Research:
Linking species requires extensive data and research, which is time-consuming.
Changes in OBC list: A political tool
Adding castes in the OBC list is not only a social issue but has also become a part of political strategy. This issue arises more during elections, where vote bank politics becomes prominent.
