Union Govt on 30th December 2016 approved the inclusion of 15 new castes and modification of 13 others in the Central OBC list.
Amendments were approved by the Union Cabinet following a proposal put forward by the National Commission of Backward Classes.
It suggested 28 changes with respect to 8 states namely Maharashtra, J&K, Assam, HP, MP, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand.
In the 28 changes, 15 were new additions, 9 were subcastes of already existing castes and 4 were corrections.
The amendments enable people belonging to the newly added castes to avail the benefits of reservation in Government services and Central Educational Institutions
They will also be able to enjoy the benefits of various welfare schemes launched by the Union Government.
About the National Commission of Backward Classes- Established: 14th August, 1993.
- Indian statutory body examining requests for inclusion/exclusion of any class of citizens in backward class lists.
The commission comprises 5 members including:
- Chairman : Judge of SC/HC
- Social Scientist
- Two experts
- Member Secretary (also ex Secretary to GoI)
Term of all members is three year
