📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ganesh Dhamodkar
Politics
OBC groups rally across India demanding caste-wise census
✍️ News18 Marathi
🗓 20 Sep 2026, 03:15 PM
👁 11
OBC organisations have launched a nationwide protest, urging the government to conduct a caste-wise population count ahead of the next census.
Several OBC federations have mobilised supporters in multiple cities, calling for a caste-wise enumeration in the upcoming national census. The groups argue that detailed caste data is essential for formulating equitable reservation policies and for addressing socio‑economic disparities among backward classes.
The protestors have submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Home Affairs, insisting that the census schedule be amended to include comprehensive caste categorisation. They contend that the absence of such data hampers accurate assessment of OBC population share and undermines policy planning.
Government officials have yet to respond publicly to the demands. Analysts note that a caste-based census could have significant political ramifications, influencing future electoral strategies and reservation debates.
The OBC movement has scheduled further rallies in the coming weeks, urging the central government to act promptly before the census operations commence.
Stakeholders, including civil society groups and political parties, are watching the developments closely, as the outcome may reshape the landscape of affirmative action in India.
The protestors have submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Home Affairs, insisting that the census schedule be amended to include comprehensive caste categorisation. They contend that the absence of such data hampers accurate assessment of OBC population share and undermines policy planning.
Government officials have yet to respond publicly to the demands. Analysts note that a caste-based census could have significant political ramifications, influencing future electoral strategies and reservation debates.
The OBC movement has scheduled further rallies in the coming weeks, urging the central government to act promptly before the census operations commence.
Stakeholders, including civil society groups and political parties, are watching the developments closely, as the outcome may reshape the landscape of affirmative action in India.