Ranchi: Congress party on Wednesday marched from Bapu Vatika in Morabadi to Lok Bhavan in Ranchi to press for the inclusion of a separate column for other backward classes (OBC) in the proposed caste census, to be conducted by Union govt.Thousands of members from the OBC communities, Congress functionaries, office-bearers and party representatives from several districts took part in the march, which was led by the party’s OBC wing president Nishant Jaiswal. A party delegation then submitted a memorandum, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, to governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar seeking a distinct OBC category in the caste census.Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh said, “The demand is linked to social justice and equitable representation. A caste census without a separate OBC column would fail to provide an accurate picture of the community’s population and socio-economic status, making it difficult to formulate effective welfare policies.”State rural development minister Deepika Pandey Singh said the issue should not be viewed merely through a political lens, but as a matter of ensuring equal opportunities and evidence-based policymaking. “A reliable data on backward classes would help govts design targeted interventions in education, employment, healthcare, housing and economic development.”Former Barkagaon MLA and party’s national secy Amba Prasad said the large turnout reflected growing awareness among OBC communities regarding their rights and representation.
