Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has recommended increasing the reservation quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in public employment in Punjab and West Bengal.
Currently, Punjab allocates 25% of public employment positions to Scheduled Castes and 12% to OBCs, totalling 37% reservation. The NCBC has proposed enhancing the OBC quota by an additional 13%, bringing the total OBC reservation in public employment to 25%, adhering to the Supreme Court’s ceiling of up to 50% reservation for socially and educationally backward classes (in the Indra Sawhney case).
In West Bengal, the reservation quota for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes is 22%, 6%, and 17%, respectively, in government-run or aided establishments. The NCBC suggests increasing the OBC reservation to reach the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court.
About the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC):
It was established as a statutory body under the NCBC Act, 1993, and was granted Constitutional Status through the 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018, with the insertion of Article 338B. The commission consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three other Members in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India. Its mandate includes investigating and monitoring all matters related to the safeguards provided for socially and educationally backward classes. Additionally, the NCBC advises the Central Government on OBC inclusion/exclusion requests from state or central governments. The commission presents its report to the President annually and at other times as it deems fit. If the Government disagrees with its recommendations, it must record its reasons.
