Karnataka Congress govt decision to include the entire Muslim community in the OBC 2B

Congress-led state government in Karnataka decision to include the entire Muslim community in the backward class(OBC) category has sparked controversy and raised concerns among other backward classes(OBCs) in the state.

This move effectively grants the Muslim community access to benefits and privileges previously reserved for OBCs.

Reports says, according to data from the Karnataka Backward Classes Welfare Department, all castes and communities within the Muslim religion have been classified as socially and educationally backward classes under Category 2B in the State List of Backward Classes.

The move to extend OBC reservation benefits to the entire Muslim community has raised questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the state’s reservation policy.

In a statement issued on April 22, the NCBC condemned the move, highlighting the implications for social justice. The Commission, which conducted a field visit last year to examine the state’s reservation policy for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in educational institutions and government jobs, emphasised the need for a more nuanced approach.

The NCBC noted that while Karnataka provides 32 per cent reservation to backward classes in local body elections, including Muslims, there is a necessity for considering the diversity within these communities. The Commission raised concerns about the impact of such broad reservations on the framework of social justice, particularly in the context of local body polls.

The move has been critized by many including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have voiced opposition to this decision, alleging that it represents a form of wealth redistribution. They argue that by extending benefits to the Muslim community, the Congress government is effectively diverting resources away from OBCs, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

PM Modi has warned people that, the Congress party of attempting to reallocate benefits meant for disadvantaged communities and redistribute them to Muslims. This move, according to him, undermines the principles of social justice and equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Congress party, has advocated for amending the Constitution to increase the reservation quota from 50 per cent to 73 per cent, a move seen as an attempt to address the socio-economic disparities faced by marginalized communities.

VIDEO | Here’s what National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) Chairman Hansraj Ahir (@ahir_hansraj) said on the categorisation of Muslims as backward caste in Karnataka.

“In Karnataka, currently there is a 32 per cent reservation for the OBCs. The Karnataka government has… pic.twitter.com/pfR215ARsR

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 24, 2024

Undermines the principles of social justice: NCBC slams the Karnataka government's decision to categorize the entire Muslim community as a backward caste for reservation purposes in the state.

The National Commission for Backward Classes has denounced the decision of the… pic.twitter.com/i6krXHnigs

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) April 24, 2024