Ranchi, September 16 (Daily Kiran) : A significant march took place in Ranchi on September 16, organized by the Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee. The demonstration aimed to demand a separate column for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the upcoming census. Starting from Bapu Vatika, the march saw participation from party leaders, activists, and OBC representatives from various districts.
Following the march, a delegation from Congress submitted a memorandum to the governor, urging the central government to consider their demand. The event was led by Nishant Jaiswal, the head of the state Congress OBC department. Party officials stressed the importance of obtaining authentic data regarding the OBC population and their socio-economic status through the census. This is not the first time the Congress has called for a distinct code and clear identification for OBCs in the census.
Keshav Mahato Kamlesh, the state Congress president, remarked that the census should not merely be viewed as a data collection exercise. He asserted that accurate figures on the OBC population and their socio-economic conditions are essential for formulating effective policies and welfare programs.
Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh added that the demand for OBC recognition is tied to social justice and equal opportunity. She highlighted the necessity of comprehensive and reliable data for policies related to education, employment, health, and economic opportunities.
Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari noted that a clear count of OBCs in the census would reveal the actual size of the community and assist in planning relevant initiatives. Congress Legislative Party leader Pradeep Yadav also described the demand for a separate column for OBCs as a matter of policy and representation.
Yogaendra Yogi, in charge of the Congress OBC department, affirmed that the party would continue to raise this demand through democratic and constitutional means. Former MP Dheeraj Prasad Sahu and former state Congress president Rajesh Thakur also supported the call for authentic data regarding the OBC population and socio-economic conditions.
Through the memorandum submitted to the governor, the delegation reiterated their request for a separate column for OBCs in the upcoming census and for the accurate recording of the community’s numbers. This march was announced by the party prior to the event on September 16.
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