In a major decision that could reshape caste calculations in West Bengal, the BJP government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday regularised 66 communities that were included in the state’s OBC reservation list before 2010. The move comes days after the new government scrapped the existing state OBC list.
With the notification, the Backward Classes Welfare Department said these communities, many of whom are Muslim, will now be eligible for 7 per cent reservation in government services and posts.
The list includes several traditional and social communities such as Kapali, Kurmi, Nai (Napit), Tanti, Dhanuk, Kasai, Khandait, Turha, Paharia Muslim, Devanga, Hajjam (Muslim), among others.
The notification also states that individuals who converted from Scheduled Castes to Christianity and their descendants have been included in the list.
REGULARISATION AFTER 2024 ORDER
The notification was issued in compliance with a Calcutta High Court order of May 2024, which struck down the OBC status of several communities in West Bengal, calling it illegal.
The court struck down several classes named under the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) (Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts) Act, 2012.
It also scrapped the category-wise OBC reservation structure — 10 per cent for Category A (more backward classes) and 7 per cent for Category B (backward classes). Following the verdict, the total OBC reservation in the state has been limited to 7 per cent.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE STATE
The BJP government said the decision is aimed at ensuring social justice and transparency in line with court directives.
However, experts believe the move could trigger a significant shift in the state’s reservation landscape by intensifying competition within OBC groups. They also say it may add pressure on the state government to frame a revised reservation framework in the future.
– Ends
