The Hindu : Front Page : "Provide precise definition of OBCs"

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Apr 01, 2007
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Front Page

"Provide precise definition of OBCs"

Special Correspondent

Identify universal and easily accessible social and economic parameters: Shahbuddin

NEW DELHI: Syed Shahbuddin of the All-India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM) has suggested that the Government formulate a precise definition of the term `Other Backward Classes.'

He wanted the Government to identify universal and easily accessible social, economic and educational parameters for measuring backwardness and work out a scientific methodology for linking backwardness with reservation.The Majlis urged the Government and the Supreme Court — in view of the recent order on quotas by the apex court — to include religious minorities among the Other Backward Classes within the letter and spirit of Article 15(5) of the Constitution.

Mr. Shahbuddin suggested "sub-quotas" for various backward groups, including religious minorities that fall into the backward category.

In a statement here on Saturday, the Majlis drew attention to the fact that the Sachar Committee found Muslims as a whole to be almost as backward as the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. It also pleaded for inclusion of backward groups within "Hindu high castes" that have sub-castes that are backward.

Pleading in favour of a caste census, the AIMMM said it favoured the exclusion of the creamy layer within the backward groups from quota benefits.

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