Decision to Enforce 27% Reservation for Backward Classes in Cooperative Societies; Committee Formed to Probe Attack on Manoj Kashyap in Meerut
Lucknow — The Uttar Pradesh State Backward Classes Commission, under the chairmanship of Rajesh Verma, held an important meeting on Monday at the Commission’s headquarters in Lucknow. The meeting was attended by Vice-Chairman Sohan Lal Shrimali, Member Surya Prakash Pal, other commission members, and Secretary Manoj Kumar Sagar.
The agenda of the meeting revolved around critical issues concerning the reservation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), caste inclusions and exclusions, and comprehensive development policies for the backward sections of society.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the decision to implement a 27% reservation for OBCs in cooperative societies. After reviewing the current status under Section 29(5) of the Cooperative Act and Rule 28 of the Electoral Rules, the Commission resolved that constitutional provisions must be strictly followed to ensure fair representation of backward classes in the governing bodies of cooperative institutions.
The matter of including the Devvanshi caste in the Central OBC list was also discussed at length. Since this issue pertains to the central list, the Commission decided to recommend that a representation be submitted to the National Commission for Backward Classes for further consideration.
A serious incident raised by Member Ramesh Gaur Kashyap regarding an attack on Manoj Kashyap and his family in Panchali village of Meerut district was also addressed. Alleging inaction by the local police, he called for immediate intervention. In response, Chairman Rajesh Verma announced the formation of a three-member inquiry committee led by Vice-Chairman Surya Prakash Pal. The committee has been directed to visit the site on August 1, 2025, and submit a report on the incident.
Concerns surrounding the validity and issuance of OBC certificates were also discussed. Members noted several ambiguities in the certification process and their implications for beneficiaries. The Commission decided to convene a special meeting with the Principal Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Department of Personnel to resolve these uncertainties and ensure clarity in the future.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to uphold the constitutional rights of backward classes and accelerate their socio-economic development through transparent, inclusive governance measures.
