Cabinet clears final extension for panel set up to study OBC sub-categorisation

The Union cabinet on Wednesday approved a ‘final’ extension of the term of the commission constituted to examine sub-categorisation within Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the Central list. A government statement said the commission, which had a term till June 20, will now work till July 31.

“The commission held extensive meetings with the stakeholders, including state governments, State Backward Classes Commissions, various community associations and general public belonging to various Backward Classes and Communities.

The commission also obtained records, caste-wise of OBCs admitted in higher educational institution as well as similar caste-wise data of recruits in the central departments, central public sector undertakings, public sector banks and financial institutions,” said the statement.

The commission had asked for an extension of its term till July 31 in order to have a detailed look at the data collected, thus the cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved extension.

The cabinet also approved a proposal for enactment of the Dam Safety Bill 2018 in order to help states and Union Territories to adopt uniform safety procedures to ensure safety of dams. “This shall also help in safeguarding human life, livestock and property,” said the government statement.

The cabinet approved the proposal for withdrawal of Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill of 2013, pending in Rajya Sabha. The original bill was passed in 2010 for establishment of a non-state, non-profit, secular and self-governing international institution. Three years later, the government decided to amend certain provisions.

The cabinet also approved the proposal of ministry of development of north eastern region for nomination of Union home minister as ex-officio chairman of North Eastern Council (NEC), a statutory body with Governors and chief ministers of all northeastern states as members.