Naresh Yadav, convenor of OBC Adhikar Manch (OBCAM), said the state has approximate figures of the population of all castes and communities. “Gehlot asking the Modi government about the caste census is like delaying the process and shirking responsibility. Raising the reservation of OBCs from 21% to 27% is entirely in the hands of the state. It should be done immediately to correct a historical injustice to OBCs,” he said.
“Population numbers are important for schemes like scholarships, hostels, and distribution of laptops, scooties, etc. As per rough estimates, OBCs are more than 50% of the total population of the state, but they get only 21% reservation. This mismatch has been impeding the progress of OBC youths and students,” added Yadav.
OBCAM contends that in light of the 10% reservation granted for economically weaker sections (EWS) even when their population is not even 10%, a caste census has become more important than ever before. The tribal bodies have argued that improper assessment of the population of Scheduled Tribe (ST) people has been keeping the communities away from development. Babulal Parmar of Vanvasi Pariwar said the tribal population in over 300 villages, several gram panchayats and towns has crossed above 50% of those areas.
