Jammu 2nd Feb 2024:The BJP OBC Morcha extends heartfelt gratitude to the Union Government for its Cabinet decision to extend reservations to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Jammu and Kashmir. In a Press Conference led by Sunil Prajapati, President of BJP OBC Morcha, the party acknowledged this significant move.Sunil Prajapati expressed appreciation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Home Minister, and the Union Government for this historic decision, emphasizing the importance of providing reservation to OBCs in municipal and panchayat elections. The Press Conference, attended by key members including Raj Kumar Tarkhan, Ravi Mehra, Raman Chalotra, Ashok Salgotra, and Ram Pal, highlighted the transformative impact this decision will have on OBC representation at various levels of governance.Prajapati emphasized the previous lack of reservation for OBCs in municipalities and panchayats, stressing that this decision rectifies a historical oversight. He outlined the anticipated benefits, stating that OBCs will now have reservations in elections for Panches, Sarpanches, Block Development Councils (BDCs), and District Development Councils (DDCs). Additionally, reservations will extend to Urban Local Bodies, aligning with provisions laid down in Article 243 D(6) and 243 T(6) of the Constitution.The President of BJP OBC Morcha raised concerns about the previous reservation categorization under Social Castes (OSC) and called for the repeal of categories like Residents of Backward Areas (RBA) and Residents of Areas adjoining Actual Line of Control (ALC). Prajapati appealed to the Union Government to consider OBC population percentages for job reservations, which stand at around 20% in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.Sunil Prajapati attributed the denial of constitutional rights to OBCs to previous J&K governments led by NC-Congress and PDP, commending the present BJP Government for rectifying this situation. He predicted strengthened BJP positions at the grassroots level with increased OBC representation in Panchayat and Municipality elections, while parties neglecting OBC constitutional rights may face public disregard in upcoming elections.
BJP OBC Morcha Expresses Gratitude for Historic Reservation Decision
