Login With Google
Shift of 17 OBC to SC list opposed
Why in news
- While replying to a query raised during Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment said that the Uttar Pradesh government’s move to shift 17 Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to the Schedule Caste list is unconstitutional, and it is a transgression of Parliament’s jurisdiction.
More in news
- Those to be reclassified are Kashyap, Rajbhar, Dhivar, Bind, Kumhar, Kahar, Kewat, Nishad, Bhar, Mallah, Prajapati, Dhimar, Batham, Turha, Godia, Manjhi and Machua.
- Earlier UP government had directed District Magistrates and Commissioners to issue caste certificates to the 17 OBCs.
What the Ministry has to say
- The power to make changes in the SC list rested with Parliament Article 341 sub-clause (2) of the Constitution. Even the President does not have the power to make changes in the list.
- Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment request the State not to make caste certificates on the basis of such orders because they will be dismissed by courts and it will be of no help to anyone.
- These 17 castes would not get the benefits meant for either the OBCs or the SCs since the State had no power to make any alteration to the SC list.
- Union government has issued an advisory stating that the State’s order was “unconstitutional” and it should be withdrawn with immediate effect.
Source
The Hindu