Shadow Correspondent
Udhampur, JUNE 30:
The demand for the inclusion of an Other Backward Classes (OBC) column in the ongoing Houselisting Phase-I of the Census of India 2027 is gathering momentum across Jammu and Kashmir, with the OBC Department of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) intensifying its campaign for an inclusive caste census.
During a protest held in Udhampur, OBC leaders expressed concern that while the Census Enumerator Manual specifically mentions Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) among the demographic characteristics to be enumerated and even provides separate abbreviations for them, it makes no corresponding mention of Other Backward Classes (OBC).
The protesters described this omission as a matter of serious concern, stating that the absence of an OBC category undermines the objective of collecting comprehensive socio-economic data necessary for evidence-based policymaking, equitable representation, targeted welfare schemes, and the effective implementation of social justice measures.
The protest was organized under the leadership of the OBC Department, JKPCC, and witnessed the participation of Sunil Dutt, Chairman, OBC Congress District Udhampur, along with Bodh Raj, Gurdayal Chand, Des Raj, Krishan Lal, Subash Chander, Shubam Verma, Mulk Raj, Vishal Verma, Nikhal Khokar, Pintoo, Shailo Devi, Poli Devi, and several Congress workers and social activists. The demonstration was coordinated by Madan Lal Chalotra, Chairman, OBC Department, JKPCC, and Amit Mehra, State Coordinator, OBC Department, JKPCC, as part of the party’s ongoing campaign demanding an OBC column in the Census. Speakers also observed that the growing participation in such protests reflects an increasing public awakening on OBC issues, inspired in part by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s consistent advocacy for an OBC caste census and social justice. They reaffirmed their resolve to continue peaceful democratic protests across Jammu and Kashmir until the legitimate demand for OBC enumeration is incorporated into the Census process.
