Seven Caste Groups in Central OBC List

In October 2024, the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) recommended that the Union Government include seven caste groups in the central list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) for Maharashtra, as the state prepares for upcoming elections.

Key Points

Caste Groups Proposed for Inclusion: The NCBC identified several groups, including the Lodh, Lodha, and Lodhi castes, along with the Badgujar, Suryavanshi Gujar, Leve Gujar, Reve Gujar, Reva Gujar, Dangari, Bhoyar, Pawar castes, and other communities like Kapewar, Munnar Kapewar, Munnar Kapu, Telanga, Telangi, Pentarreddy, and Bukekari.
Commission Hearings Conducted: The NCBC conducted hearings on this proposal on October 17, 2023, and July 26, 2024, in Mumbai to assess the inclusion of these caste groups in the OBC category.
Official Recommendation Made: The final decision to recommend these caste groups for inclusion was taken on October 8, 2024. The NCBC communicated its recommendations to the Centre on October 9, 2024.
Current Status of Communities: Several of the proposed communities, including the Badgujar, Suryavanshi Gurjar, Bhoyar, and Pawar castes, are already classified as OBCs in Maharashtra's state list. Other groups, like Kapewar and Munnar Kapewar, are currently listed as Notified Tribes.