Maharashtra all-party delegation to meet PM on caste-based census of OBC’s

Mumbai, Feb 28, 2020: Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Friday announced in state assembly that an all-party delegation along with chief minister, deputy chief minister, presiding officer of assembly as well as leaders of Opposition would visit New Delhi to meet Prime Minister and Union Home Minister to demand separate registration of OBC’s in the National Census.

After many members and assembly speaker opined that OBC’s should be able to avail their dues and should receive adequate funding through development funds for various welfare schemes, deputy chief minister made this announcement in the assembly. Presiding officer Nana Patole directed the state Government to meet Prime Minister as well as Union Home Minister and state Government should insist for caste-based census of OBC’s in the state of Maharashtra.

Assembly member MLA Vikas Thakare had brought this issue to the floor of the House through a point of Propriety. Discussing the motion, food and civil supplies minister Chagan Bhujbal, minister for housing development Jitendra Avhad, leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis and others put forward the case for caste bases census of OBCs. The members pointed out that since even today one has to rely upon caste-based census of 1931 and since OBC communities are educationally and economically backword, there is a need for caste based census of OBC’s.