West Bengal Govt notifies 66 classes under OBC category, grants 7% quota in jobs and services
Kolkata, May 19
The BJP-led West Bengal government on Tuesday notified 66 communities under the Other Backwards Classes category, including several Muslim communities, making them eligible for 7 per cent reservation in government jobs and services.
The new notification comes just days after the Suvendu Adhikari-led government cancelled the existing OBC list in the state.
The notification, issued by the Backwards Classes Welfare Department on Monday, follows a Calcutta High Court Division Bench order dated May 20, 2024. The court had set aside 2010 and 2012 notifications through which 66 castes were included in the State List of OBCs for reservation benefits under Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution.
According to the notification, the High Court had directed that the reservation already enjoyed by these classes should not be disturbed and that reservation for OBCs in the state should be restricted to 7 per cent for the 66 classes affected.
The list includes communities such as Kapali, Baishya Kapali, Kurmi, Sutradhar, Karmakar, Kumbhakar, Swarnakar, Teli, Napit, Yogi, Goala, Gope, Ahir, Yadav, Moira, Modak, Barujibi, Satchasi and Malakar, among others.
It also included Muslim communities such as Hajjam (Muslim), Chowduli (Muslim), Pahadia Muslim and Jolah (Ansari-Momin).
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government also increased the upper age limit for recruitment to state government posts by five years. The state cabinet has taken this decision, fulfilling the BJP's poll promise for age relaxation in recruitment.
The Finance Department has formally notified the revised age limits, which came into effect on May 11.
According to a press note from the Chief Secretary's Office, for recruitment through the Public Service Commission, West Bengal, the maximum age will now be 41 years for Group 'A' posts, 44 years for Group B' posts, and 45 years for Group 'C' and Group 'D' posts. In cases where the existing prescribed upper age limit for any post is already higher, that higher limit will continue to apply.
For other appointments, including recruitment by state statutory bodies, government companies, and local authorities covered under the West Bengal Regulation of Recruitment in State Statutory Bodies, Government Companies and Local Authorities Act, 1999, the upper age limit has been fixed uniformly at 45 years.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Age relaxation to 45 years is a game-changer for many candidates who lost years due to pandemic delays. But the real challenge is whether the government will actually fill those vacancies. Empty posts help no one. 🏛️
Including Muslim communities like Hajjam and Ansari-Momin is good for representation, but we need to ensure reservation benefits reach the most backward sections within these groups. Creamy layer should be applied strictly.
As someone who works in recruitment, the age limit changes are practical - many candidates took years to complete competitive exams. But the government must also focus on merit-based selection alongside reservation to maintain quality in public services.
Mixed feelings about this. The previous OBC list was cancelled and now re-notified - seems like political drama between TMC and BJP. Real question is: how many of these 66 communities actually have data on their socio-economic backwardness? Need proper surveys.
Good move by the government to follow court orders and maintain stability. The 7% quota may not match central norms, but given Bengal's socio-economic realities, this is a balanced approach. Also glad to see communities like Kurmi and Yadav included - they need support.
Only 7% reservation for OBC
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.