Congress seeks socio-economic features in census, to break 50% ceiling in OBC quota

The AICC OBC Advisory Committee on Wednesday urged the Centre to adopt the Telangana model of the social, educational, employment, economic, political (SEEEP) caste survey in the upcoming nation-wide census exercise.

The two-day meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, wanted the registrar general of census operations to include SEEEP aspects of individuals and different castes in the census exercise.

This is one of the three resolutions the meeting adopted on Wednesday.


The AICC OBC Advisory Committee also resolved to work to relax the 50% cap on reservation to give opportunities for OBCs in educational institutions, government service, politics and other fields.

It also sought for reservation in private educational institutions as per Article 15(5) of the Constitution of India.

The CM, addressing the media after the conclusion of the meeting, said it was Rahul Gandhi’s campaign that forced the Modi government to accept the demand for a caste census in India. He called it a milestone, but at the same time only a small step in ensuring social justice.

Siddaramaiah said, as CM in 2015, he ordered a socio-economic survey of all communities. In 2018, when the Backward Classes Commission chairman Kantharaju sought more time to submit the report, then CM HD Kumaraswamy rejected the request. He also asked the minister concerned not to accept the report.

The Cabinet, last month, ordered a re-survey. The government has asked the commission to give its report in three months and the same will be implemented, he said.

`No move to replace CM’

AICC OBC cell chairman Anil Jaihind on Wednesday ruled out any proposal before the party leadership to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Jaihind, responding to a query from the media if the Congress was replacing its only backward class chief minister, said there was no such proposal. “We all stand with Siddaramaiah.”

There have been strong speculations of an impending leadership change in line with a rumoured unwritten agreement between Dy CM DK Shivakumar and the party.