Bengaluru | July 17, 2025 : The All India Congress Committee (AICC)’s first Other Backward Classes (OBC) Advisory Committee held a two-day meeting in Bengaluru. During the meeting, the committee passed three important resolutions.
The main resolution called for a nationwide caste census to be conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, based on Telangana’s Social, Educational, Employment, and Economic Caste Survey model.
The second resolution demanded that the 50% reservation limit be relaxed. This would help provide more opportunities for backward communities in education, jobs, politics, and other areas.
The third resolution said private educational institutions should also give reservations to backward classes, as per Article 15(5) of the Constitution.
Siddaramaiah Supports Caste Census
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah praised the meeting and called it a great success. He also appreciated Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for strongly supporting the caste census. Siddaramaiah said Rahul Gandhi’s efforts had pushed the central government, led by the BJP, to announce a caste census.
“This is not just a caste count. It is a detailed survey on the social, economic, and educational conditions of people, which will help in giving equal opportunities to backward communities.”
He also said that because social inequality still exists, there is a need to empower backward classes. He confirmed the Congress party’s commitment to the Constitution.
Karnataka to Complete Re-Survey Soon
Siddaramaiah also shared that the Backward Classes Commission, led by Jayaprakash Hegde, had already submitted its report to the state government. However, the state has asked the commission to conduct a re-survey and submit a fresh report within 3 months. After that, the government will take steps to implement its recommendations.
Summary
- AICC OBC Panel urges for a national caste census based on Telangana’s model.
- Calls to remove 50% cap on reservations.
- Wants reservations in private education as well.
- Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah supports Rahul Gandhi’s efforts.
- State awaits updated report from Backward Classes Commission.
