National OBC Federation Demands Separate Category in Census, Warns of Delhi Protest
The National OBC Federation has strongly objected to the omission of a separate category for Other Backward Classes in the Central government's recently published Census Gazette notification, warning of nationwide protests if the framework is not amended.
Speaking in Thane, Eknath Taramale, President of the Konkan Division of the National OBC Federation, stated that the Centre has failed to address the community's long-standing demand for a comprehensive caste-based enumeration. While the Central government previously announced a decision to conduct a caste census, the subsequent Gazette notification has caused widespread concern among community members.
The notification, which outlined a 40-question framework for the enumeration process, included Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and "caste" under its tenth point. However, Taramale pointed out that the document does not clarify how OBC communities will be identified or whether they will be counted under a dedicated, distinct category. He argued that the absence of a transparent recording mechanism could undermine the purpose of the exercise.
According to Taramale, the OBC community has not been enumerated in an independent caste-based census since 1931. Although the Socio-Economic and Caste Census was conducted in 2011, OBC leaders noted that complete caste-wise data from that survey was never made public. As a result, accurate and officially verified data regarding the community's population, socio-economic status, educational progress, and employment representation remains unavailable to policymakers.
Taramale stressed that an accurate census is vital for implementing proportionate reservation policies and evidence-based social welfare initiatives. He urged the government to revise the Gazette notification to ensure unambiguous enumeration for all OBC groups.
Warning the Centre of escalating demonstrations, Taramale said that if the demand is ignored, the OBC community will organise a large-scale protest at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan during the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. He added that the organisation may also appeal to voters to oppose ruling party candidates if the Gazette is not amended.
