Sub-categorization of OBCs in the Central List

National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)

Earlier, NCBC was a statutory body established in 1993 under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018 provided constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), which was previously a statutory body.
It was constituted pursuant to the provisions of the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993.
NCBC has the authority to examine complaints and welfare measures regarding socially and educationally backward classes.
In 2015, the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) had recommended that OBCs should be categorized into extremely backward classes, more backward classes and backward classes.
The benefits of the reservation in OBCs are being cornered mostly by the dominant OBC groups over the years so there is a need to recognize sub-quotas for the extremely backward classes within the OBCs.

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved a six-month extension to the commission appointed to examine the sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), up to 31st January 2021.

Subcategorization of OBCs

The commission is headed by Justice (Retd.) G Rohini. It was constituted under Article 340 of the Constitution with the approval of the President on 2nd October 2017.
It had been constituted to complete the task of sub-categorising 5000-odd castes in the central OBC list so as to ensure more equitable distribution of opportunities in central government jobs and educational institutions.
Article 340 deals with the appointment of a commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes.
It shall investigate the matters referred to them and present a report to the President.
The President shall cause a copy of the report so presented together with a memorandum explaining the action taken thereon to be laid before each House of Parliament.

Article 340 in the Indian Constitution

Appointment of a Commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes
The President may by order appoint a Commission consisting of such persons as he thinks fit to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes within the territory of India and the difficulties under which they labour and to make recommendations as to the steps that should be taken by the Union or any State to remove such difficulties and to improve their condition and as to the grants that should be made for the purpose by the Union or any State the conditions subject to which such grants should be made, and the order appointing such Commission shall define the procedure to be followed by the Commission
A Commission so appointed shall investigate the matters referred to them and present to the President a report setting out the facts as found by them and making such recommendations as they think proper
The President shall cause a copy of the report so presented together with a memorandum explaining the action taken thereon to be laid before each House of Parliament.

What is the news?

Cabinet approves Extension of term of the Commission constituted under Article 340 of the Constitution to examine the issue of Sub-categorization within Other Backward Classes in the Central List
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Eleventh Extension of the term of the Commission constituted under Article 340 of the Constitution to examine the issue of Sub-categorization within Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the Central List by 6 months beyond 31st July 2021 and upto 31st January 2022.

Source: PIB

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