Haryana Boosts Backward Classes Quota to 27% in Major Reservation Hike

In a landmark decision, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has announced a substantial increase in reservation for Backward Classes in government jobs, along with several other measures aimed at uplifting the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community. The announcements, made during an OBC Morcha Sarv Samaj Samrasta event in Gurugram, mark a significant shift in the state's approach to social equity and empowerment. 

Reservation Boost and Recruitment Drive 

The most notable change is the increase in reservation for Backward Classes in Group-A and Group-B government posts from 15% to 27%. This substantial hike is expected to open up more opportunities for OBC candidates in higher-level government positions. To complement this move, CM Saini also announced a special recruitment drive to fill the backlog of vacancies for Backward Classes in these groups on a priority basis. 

Raising the Creamy Layer Income Limit 

In another significant decision, the annual income limit for the creamy layer within the OBC category has been raised from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh. This adjustment will allow more OBC individuals to access reservation benefits, as those above the creamy layer limit are typically excluded from such provisions. Importantly, following the central government's model, income from salary and agricultural sources will not be included in this limit for state government jobs.

Expanding Opportunities in Skill Development 

The CM announced that the 27% reservation would also apply to recruitments made through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam, the state's skill development corporation. This extension of the quota system aims to ensure that OBC youth have improved access to employment opportunities across various sectors.

Education and Skill Development Initiatives

Chief Minister Saini highlighted several ongoing initiatives to support OBC education and skill development.

These include:

1. Scholarships ranging from Rs 12,000 to Rs 20,000 for OBC students to pursue quality education.
2. Focus on skill development programs specifically targeting the OBC community. 
3. Implementation of the Bhagwan Vishwakarma Scheme, with a budget of Rs 13,000 crore, providing training in 18 trades.
4. Financial assistance of Rs 500 per day for OBC trainees during their skill development courses.
5. Provision of a Rs 15,000 toolkit upon course completion to help trainees start their careers. 

The CM emphasized that these measures align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas' (Together, for everyone's growth, with everyone's trust and everyone's efforts). He stated that both the central and state governments are committed to implementing various schemes to give full respect and recognition to the OBCs. 

Saini also mentioned the inclusion of Nuh district in the Central Government's aspirational districts plan, which aims to improve the socio-economic status of backward areas through targeted development schemes. 

These announcements reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of the Backward Classes in Haryana. By increasing reservation, raising income limits, and focusing on education and skill development, the state government aims to create a more inclusive environment for OBC citizens. As these measures are implemented, it will be interesting to observe their impact on social equity and economic empowerment in the state.