The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has summoned the Chief Secretary of the Karnataka government over concerns regarding the state’s categorisation of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. The quota, which provides for “blanket reservation” to Muslims under Category II-B, has reportedly led to over-representation of Muslims in government positions and educational institutions, according to NCBC Chairperson Hansraj Gangaram Ahir.
The Commission cited postgraduate medical admissions in Karnataka in 2021-22 and 2022-23, which showed that Muslims were being over-represented due to this categorisation within the OBC quota. This, Ahir said, was “eating into the share that should be available to other OBC communities, including Muslims.”
Ahir also questioned the validity of the reports based on which the entire Muslim community had been declared backward in the state. He said that the state government has yet to provide a full report of a current survey that supports this classification. The Commission also flagged concerns that Karnataka’s OBC categorisation allows for all Muslims to contest from any OBC or General category seat in local body elections, which is feared to be depriving other deserving OBC communities the space to do so.
A similar issue was raised last year by the NCBC regarding the OBC list of West Bengal, where the majority of communities included were Muslim. Ahir expressed concerns that such categorisations could lead to problems in the future, as many of these communities would want to be included in the Central list as well. He emphasised the need for current survey reports to ensure that the inclusion in the OBC category is justified.
The NCBC’s move to summon the Chief Secretary of the Karnataka government highlights the ongoing debate over the reservation policy in India. The Commission’s concerns underscore the need for careful examination of the criteria for inclusion in the OBC category, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for all deserving communities.
