Ponnam calls for OBC column in 2027 Census
BC Welfare and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has called for a nationwide caste census, including a separate OBC column in the 2027 Census, to accurately determine the population of Backward Classes and ensure their fair representation. He also urged the Centre to reconsider the 50% reservation ceiling, arguing it should not impede proportional representation for BCs.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to address historical disparities and ensure equitable representation for a significant portion of India's population, potentially leading to major policy changes in affirmative action and resource allocation across various sectors.
BC Welfare and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Sunday called for a nationwide caste census by including a separate OBC column in the 2027 Census to ascertain the exact population of Backward Classes (BCs) and ensure them fair representation in proportion to their population.
Speaking at a national OBC conference organised by the National BC Welfare Association and Rashtriya OBC Mahasang at Begumpet on Sunday, Mr. Prabhakar said a scientific enumeration of the BC population was essential to ensure adequate representation.
“The BC population should be scientifically enumerated, fair representation should be provided in proportion to the population and an OBC column should be included in the 2027 Census. There is a need for a united nationwide struggle for the rights of BCs,” he said.
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