More than half of women from OBC families are engaged in labour or physical work, reveals a confidential government survey report submitted to the Supreme Court along with an affidavit. The report suggests that the state government should ensure greater safety and support for OBC women, including 50 percent reservation for them in welfare schemes such as Ladli Beti and Ladli Behna. Report by BR Ambedkar University of Social Sciences The confidential report, prepared by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University of Social Sciences, Mhow, under the chairmanship of then Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ramdas Atram, surveyed around 10,000 OBC families across Madhya Pradesh. Submitted to the State Backward Classes Welfare Commission on July 28, 2023, the report recommends 36 percent reservation for the OBC category and outlines reasons supporting the existing 27 percent quota. Matter of 27 per cent reservation under observation Notably, the matter of 27 percent OBC reservation is currently being heard in the Supreme Court, which has already postponed the hearing twice. The next date is scheduled for November, while the issue continues to draw significant political attention. Know what’s in the report Social status – ‘Caste’ still remains the cause of backwardness The report states that caste remains the main cause of OBCs’ social and educational backwardness, worsened by a lack of political will. It recommends strict implementation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s policy — “Break Caste, Unite Society” — across both urban and rural areas. Economic status: Dependence on agriculture and labour Out of 10,000 surveyed families, 9,922 shared details of their occupation, revealing an average OBC unemployment rate of 14.9% — 12.6% in rural and 16.8% in urban areas. Female unemployment in the OBC category stands at 21.3%, with several factors cited as causes. Interest of OBC community: More inclined towards farming and self-employment than jobs Education and employment: Severe shortage of opportunities The report explained through educational and employment statistics why reservation should be increased. Key recommendations of the report Based on the survey results, several important recommendations have been made for backward classes… Post navigation Seventies and still in love:Indore’s elderly couples recreate their weddings; exchange garlands dance to classic Bollywood tunes Man opens fire in Jabalpur restaurant over humiliation before wife:Owner allegedly insulted him; police catch suspect while seeking ‘forgiveness’ in Shirdi
