In a move widely seen as an attempt to woo the crucial Other Backward Class (OBC) vote bank ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, the Haryana government has announced a significant increase in reservation for the community. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, addressing a massive gathering of the OBC Morcha in Gurugram on Sunday, declared a hike in the OBC reservation quota from 15% to 27% in state government jobs.
This decision, mirroring the central government’s policy, will apply to Group-A and Group-B posts, where the existing 15% reservation for backward classes will now be expanded to 27%. Further sweetening the deal for the OBC community, the Chief Minister also announced a raise in the annual income limit for the creamy layer, increasing it from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh.
This strategic manoeuvre comes just months before Haryana heads to the polls, expected to be held in October. The timing of the announcement, coupled with the magnitude of the increase in reservation, strongly suggests a calculated move by the ruling party to consolidate its position amongst the OBC voters.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to OBC welfare, Chief Minister Khattar highlighted a series of initiatives aimed at uplifting the community. He assured that the backlog of vacancies for backward classes in Group-A and B category jobs would be addressed on priority, with a special recruitment drive already in the pipeline.
The Chief Minister stressed that the increased income limit for the creamy layer would significantly benefit OBC candidates seeking government jobs. He reiterated the government’s dedication to empowering the OBC community through various welfare schemes and emphasized their efforts over the past decade.
Further strengthening their commitment, the Haryana government has also pledged to support the education of OBC children by providing scholarships ranging from Rs 12,000 to Rs 20,000. This focus on education, along with skill development programs specifically designed for the OBC community, demonstrates a multi-pronged approach to upliftment.
