Daily Current Affairs : 20-May-2024
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has made a significant recommendation to increase the reservation quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in public employment in Punjab and West Bengal. This proposal aims to promote social and educational equity by enhancing opportunities for OBC communities in these states.
NCBC’s Proposal for Punjab
In Punjab, the current reservation system allocates:
- 25% for Scheduled Castes (SCs)
- 12% for Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
This gives a total of 37% reservation for socially and educationally backward classes in public employment. The NCBC has recommended increasing the OBC quota by 13%. If approved, this would raise the OBC reservation to 25%, staying within the 50% reservation ceiling set by the Supreme Court in the landmark Indra Sawhney case.
This proposal aims to ensure that OBC communities receive fair representation in government jobs, which could help address historical inequalities and provide better access to resources and opportunities.
NCBC’s Proposal for West Bengal
In West Bengal, the current reservation structure is as follows:
- 22% for Scheduled Castes (SCs)
- 6% for Scheduled Tribes (STs)
- 17% for Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
The NCBC has recommended an increase in the OBC reservation, which would bring the total for OBCs closer to the 50% ceiling prescribed by the Supreme Court. This change is seen as a step toward ensuring that OBCs in West Bengal get more opportunities in public employment and government-run establishments.
About the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)
The NCBC was established under the NCBC Act of 1993 and was granted Constitutional Status through the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 2018, which inserted Article 338B. The Commission plays a crucial role in monitoring and investigating the welfare of socially and educationally backward classes.
Key functions of the NCBC include:
- Investigating matters related to safeguards for backward classes.
- Advising the Central Government on the inclusion or exclusion of OBCs from the list of reserved categories.
- Submitting annual reports to the President of India.
If the Government disagrees with any recommendations made by the NCBC, it must provide detailed reasons for its decision.
Important Points:
- NCBC Recommendation: The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) recommends increasing the OBC reservation in public employment in Punjab and West Bengal.
- Punjab’s Current Quota:
- 25% reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs).
- 12% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
- Total of 37% reservation in public employment.
- Proposed Change for Punjab: NCBC suggests increasing the OBC reservation by 13%, bringing it to 25%, while staying within the Supreme Court’s 50% reservation ceiling.
- West Bengal’s Current Quota:
- 22% reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs).
- 6% reservation for Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- 17% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
- Proposed Change for West Bengal: NCBC proposes raising the OBC reservation to bring it closer to the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court.
- NCBC’s Role: The NCBC is a statutory body responsible for monitoring and advising the government on the welfare and safeguards for backward classes.
- NCBC’s Functions:
- Investigates issues related to the welfare of socially and educationally backward classes.
- Advises the Central Government on OBC inclusion or exclusion.
- Submits annual reports to the President of India.
- Supreme Court’s 50% Ceiling: NCBC’s recommendations aim to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling on reservation limits in the Indra Sawhney case.
- Objective: The changes aim to improve opportunities and representation for OBC communities in public employment, helping to address historical inequalities.
Why In News
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has recommended increasing the reservation quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in public employment in Punjab and West Bengal, aiming to enhance social and educational equity by providing greater opportunities for these communities in government jobs.
MCQs about NCBC Proposes Higher OBC Reservation
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What is the main objective of the NCBC’s recommendation to increase the OBC reservation in Punjab and West Bengal?
A. To reduce the total reservation in both states
B. To enhance social and educational equity for OBC communities
C. To decrease the number of government jobs for OBCs
D. To support Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes only
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What is the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)?
A. To implement reservations in educational institutions
B. To investigate and monitor the welfare of backward classes
C. To advise only state governments on reservation policies
D. To manage the finances of backward classes
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What is the purpose of the 50% reservation ceiling set by the Supreme Court in the **Indra Sawhney case**?
A. To limit the total reservation to ensure fair distribution of opportunities
B. To allow unlimited reservation in public employment
C. To provide only educational reservations
D. To grant preferential treatment to the wealthy
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