Madhya Pradesh has Cleared 27 Percent of the OBC Reservation for Government Jobs and Exams

The Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led administration in Madhya Pradesh has authorised 27 per cent reservation for other backward classes (OBC) in government jobs and examinations, despite resistance from Congress. 

The general administration department (GAD) issued an order to that effect, clarifying that exams and recruitments now subject to a high court suspension are not covered by this order.

Historic Decision

“Except for the three ministries that were put on hold,” Minister of Madhya Pradesh for Urban Development and Housing Bhupendra Singh told ANI, “the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Madhya Pradesh government has sanctioned a 27 per cent (from 14 per cent) reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in all departments.” “It’s a momentous decision.”

The General Administration Department of the Madhya Pradesh government issued an order clarifying stay orders given by the High Court in matters involving OBC reservation. 

“There are many writ petitions pending before the Hon’ble High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Principal Seat at Jabalpur, where the provisions of the M.P. Lok Seva Sanshodhan Adhiniyam, 2019, whereby the reservation for the OBC class has been extended from 14 percent to 27 percent,” the order said.

It went on to say that there are other examples where the provision of 10% reserve to economically weaker people is also under challenge. 

Apart from these two major groupings of examples, there are a few others, the details of which are not relevant for this clarification at this time.

“The provisions of the Amended Act of 2019, by which the reservation to the extent of 27% has been mandated, the execution of such provisions has not been particularly delayed anywhere in any of the writ petitions,” the judgement stated.

According to the government order, interim orders are relevant to the examination/subject matter challenged in the petitions.

Congress Objects Formed Backward Commission

In a separate order issued late Thursday, former minister Gaurishankar Bisen was named chairperson of the backward classes welfare commission, established following the chief minister’s statement on August 15. Congress, on the other hand, has voiced concerns.

On Friday, state Congress unit chief spokesperson KK Mishra said the party would file a contempt petition in court because the backward classes commission had already been formed by the Kamal Nath-led government and chairperson JP Dhanopia had been appointed, despite a court stay against his removal from the position.

Mishra explained that a new appointment could not be made because the commission already had a chairwoman. He went on to say that re-establishing the commission was unlawful.

According to the 2011 census, scheduled tribes make up 21% of the population, scheduled castes make up 17%, and OBCs make up 51% in Madhya Pradesh.

Congress repeatedly accused the Chouhan government of failing to advocate for an OBC quota before the Supreme Court. The party has also stated that top attorneys such as Indira Jaising and Abhishek Manu Singhvi will be hired to present the case.

Watch Video: