'All Muslims Of Karnataka Categorised As OBC For Quota', National Backward Classes Panel Seeks Clarification From State

The National Commission for Backward Classes said all Muslims of Karnataka state have been considered as OBC under Category II-B.

The National Commission for Backward Classes said that based on data from Karnataka government, all castes and communities of Muslims in Karnataka have been categorized as Other Backward Classes (OBCs) for reservation in employment and educational institutions under the state government. However, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes, said that they have sought proper clarification from the state regarding the basis of this reservation.

According to ANI, National Commission for Backward Classes said, "As per the data from Karnataka government, all castes and communities of Muslims of Karnataka have been included in the list of OBCs for reservation in employment and educational institutions under the state govt. Under Category II-B, all Muslims of Karnataka state have been considered as OBC."

 

The seventeen Muslim communities classified as OBCs in Category 1 include Nadaf, Pinjar, Darvesh, Chapparband, Kasab, Phulmali (Muslim), Nalaband, Kasai, Athari, Shikkaligara, Sikkaligar, Salaband, Ladaf, Thikanagar, Bajigara, Johari, and Pinjari.

The NCBC stated that there are growing protests from backward and Dalit communities against the social discrimination faced by lower-caste Muslims at the hands of their upper-class counterparts, including Syeds, Sheikhs, and Pathans, a report on Business Today.

Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Chairperson, National Commission for Backward Classes said, "There is 32% reservation for OBCs in Karnataka. Under this, they have done bifurcation, like Category I, I(B), II(B), III(A), III(B). There are 95 castes including 17 castes of Muslims under Category I. In Category II(B), there are 103 castes including 19 Muslims."

"What has happened in Karnataka is that all Muslims in the state are categorised as OBC. We have asked them on what basis this reservation has been given. We are not getting a proper clarification from the Karnataka government," he said.