Members of the Mali and four Other Backward Class (OBC) communities on Tuesday called off their agitation for 12% separate reservation in education and government jobs, and lifted the blockade on the Jaipur-Agra National Highway near Bharatpur, which began on April 21. The protesters made the decision following talks with the Rajasthan State OBC Commission.
The people belonging to Mali, Saini, Kushwaha, Maurya and Shakya communities have been demanding a 12% quota within the OBC category, proportionate to their population — estimated to be 1.50 crore. The present reservation available to them is stated to be inadequate, as most of the families are from the below poverty line category.
A delegation of protesters met OBC Commission’s Chairperson Justice Bhanwaru Khan here on Monday. They were assured that a survey on the socio-economic conditions of OBC communities would be conducted shortly across the State. The Commission has asked the Collectors of all districts to send the reports within 10 days.
