With assembly elections approaching, West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress faces growing unrest from Muslim communities over recent changes to the state's Other Backward Classes reservation list. The Mamata Banerjee government published a revised OBC list in May and June 2024 following a fresh survey, which has significantly altered the distribution of Muslim groups across reservation categories. The new list has removed 37 Muslim groups entirely, while shifting 34 Muslim communities from the OBC A category (offering 10% reservation) to OBC B (7% reservation). Meanwhile, several Hindu sub-castes have been placed in the more advantageous OBC A category. This restructuring has impacted Muslim students from backward communities, with many missing out on college admissions and recruitment opportunities in the current academic year. On October 23, thousands of Muslim youths organized the first major protest march in Murshidabad town against these changes. Muslim communities historically comprised around 80% of beneficiaries under the old OBC lists, significant given Muslims represent 27.1% of West Bengal's population according to the 2011 Census. The matter is now pending before the Supreme Court, scheduled for hearing on November 6, while protesters demand restoration of the old list and a proper comprehensive survey.
Major Changes in Reservation Categories Spark Controversy
The revised OBC list has dramatically reduced Muslim representation in the most backward category. The old OBC A list included 72 Muslim groups out of 80 total, but the new list contains only 35 Muslim groups among 49 total communities. Prominent Muslim groups like Shershabadia, Khotta, Mullick, and Rajmistry have been removed from OBC A or moved to OBC B. In contrast, non-Muslim groups with large populations such as Goala, Gope, Yadav, Kumbhakar, Yogi Nath, Tantubaya, and Chasatti have been placed in OBC A from OBC B. The Muslim Majhi community was removed entirely, while the non-Muslim counterpart was promoted to OBC A. According to protesters led by Progressive Intellectuals of Bengal president Manajat Biswas, 16 Muslim groups were dropped from OBC A and 21 from OBC B completely.
Educational and Employment Opportunities Affected
The changes have already impacted Muslim youth seeking admission and employment. Three Muslim candidates lost out in an English PhD interview at Panchanan Barma University in Cooch Behar because their communities no longer qualify for OBC A status. At Bankura University, postgraduate courses in physics, mathematics, geography, history, philosophy, and journalism saw very few Muslim candidates apply under OBC A category. Among 87 candidates selected by the West Bengal College Service Commission for college principal positions, not a single Muslim candidate was chosen. Protesters warn the upcoming School Service Commission recruitment process, which must be completed by December 31 per Supreme Court order, will be similarly affected. The Registrar General of Calcutta High Court has directed district and session judges to keep all ongoing OBC A and B recruitment processes on hold.
Legal Background and Demands for Restoration
The OBC reservation system evolved through political changes. In 2010, the Left Front government included 66 Muslim sub-castes through an executive order that was never enacted into law. In 2012, the Mamata Banerjee government passed a Bill adding 35 more sub-castes, mostly Muslims. Last year, the Calcutta High Court struck down the 2012 law, directing the state to frame fresh rules according to national norms, though it did not affect the 2010 executive order communities. TMC acknowledges Muslim discontent but says the matter is before the Supreme Court. Commission member Moloy Krishna Dey stated they received petitions from around 41 groups, mostly Muslims, and are awaiting the court hearing. Protesters demand the government increase OBC quota to 25%, restore dropped Muslim groups to OBC A, and conduct a proper comprehensive survey following methodologies used in Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka.
Source: Link