JAMMU, Jun 5: Members and representatives of Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities from across Jammu and Kashmir gathered near Press Club Jammu on Thursday under the banner of the OBC Adhikar Tiranga Yatra, demanding a caste census, separate enumeration of OBC communities, and implementation of reservation for OBCs in local self-government institutions.
The protest was jointly organized by the All J&K OBC Mahasabha, All India Backward Classes Federation (J&K Unit), All J&K OBC Welfare Forum Srinagar, Backward Classes Union Rajouri-Poonch, and several other OBC caste and community organizations.
The demonstration was led by Kasturi Lal Basotra, Chairman of All J&K OBC Mahasabha, in the presence of Faquir Chand Satia, President of the All India Backward Classes Federation, and Bansi Lal Choudhary, Convener of the OBC Adhikar Tiranga Yatra.
Addressing the gathering, speakers expressed concern over the House Listing Form being used for the Census 2027 exercise, alleging that it provides only three social category options—Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Others—without a separate category for Other Backward Classes. The participants argued that the absence of a distinct OBC category indicates that caste-based enumeration of OBC communities is not being carried out.
The speakers described the omission as a serious injustice to backward-class communities, stating that the lack of accurate caste-based data would adversely affect policy formulation, welfare planning, budgetary allocations, and political representation. They emphasized that social justice and equitable representation can only be ensured through reliable demographic data.
Demanding immediate corrective measures, the protestors urged the Government of India to include a separate OBC category in the Census 2027 process and ensure comprehensive caste enumeration of backward-class communities. They maintained that a scientific assessment of the actual population and socio-economic status of OBCs is essential for effective governance and development planning.
The speakers recalled that the last comprehensive caste census was conducted in 1931 and that the Mandal Commission relied on those figures while estimating the OBC population. They claimed that while the Mandal Commission estimated the OBC population in Jammu and Kashmir at around 32 percent, the inclusion of additional communities in the OBC list over the years has significantly increased that percentage. They argued that policymaking based on outdated data continues to deprive OBC communities of their rightful share in development and representation.
The gathering also demanded that elections to Panchayats, Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Committees be conducted only after the completion of the caste census process and implementation of reservation provisions for OBCs. According to the participants, conducting elections without updated caste data and reservation arrangements would deny constitutional rights to a substantial section of society.
The speakers further highlighted that following a prolonged struggle by OBC organizations, amendments were made to the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, and the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporations and Committees Act, 2000, to provide reservation for OBCs in local bodies in line with constitutional provisions and Supreme Court judgments.
They also referred to the report submitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Dedicated Backward Classes Commission to the Chief Secretary on February 27, 2025. The gathering urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to accept the Commission’s recommendations and forward the report to the State Election Commission for preparation of a fresh reservation roster to ensure adequate OBC representation in local self-government institutions.
The protest formed part of a nationwide movement in which similar demonstrations were reportedly organized in hundreds of districts across States and Union Territories. The participants expressed solidarity with the nationwide campaign led by Choudhary Vikas Patel, President of Rashtriya OBC Morcha, seeking caste census, social justice, and enhanced political representation for OBC communities.
Several speakers asserted that denying a separate OBC category in the census process undermines the principles of equality and social justice enshrined in the Constitution of India. They emphasized that without proper enumeration, the actual population, educational status, economic conditions, and representation of OBC communities cannot be accurately assessed.
Among those present were Balwant Katria, General Secretary of AIBCF; Mohan Lal Pawar, General Secretary of OBC Mahasabha; Manohar Lal Tidyal, Chief Advisor of OBC Mahasabha; Joginder Angotra, Incharge of Vishwakarma Library; Abdul Qadir, General Secretary of All J&K Dhobi Welfare Central Committee; Chaman Lal Mehra, President of Kashyap Sabha; Abdul Majid, President of District Rajouri; Fouji Mohammad Rashid, District President Poonch; Amit Mehra, Youth President of OBC Mahasabha J&K-UT; representatives of various OBC communities; and members associated with different political parties.
The gathering concluded with a unanimous resolution to continue a peaceful and democratic struggle until OBC communities receive what the participants described as their rightful recognition, constitutional safeguards, political representation, and equitable share in governance and development. The speakers maintained that the movement represents a broader struggle for dignity, equality, representation, and social justice for backward-class communities across the country.