The West Bengal government has announced a significant revision to its Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation policy, reducing the quota from 17% to 7%. This decision comes alongside the regularisation of 66 castes in the state's OBC list, which now includes a total of 84 communities.
Key Changes in OBC Reservation
The state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, approved the new OBC list on May 19, 2026. The revision reduces the overall reservation for OBCs from the previous 17% to 7%, aligning with the recommendations of the West Bengal Backward Classes Commission. The commission had submitted its report after a detailed study of the socio-economic conditions of various communities.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Under the new list, 18 new castes have been added, while 22 castes have been removed. The 66 castes that were previously categorised as 'more backward' have now been regularised under the general OBC category. This move aims to streamline the reservation system and ensure benefits reach the most deserving communities.
The government has clarified that the reduction in reservation percentage does not affect the existing quota for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), which remain at 22% and 6%, respectively. The total reservation in the state now stands at 35%, including the 7% for OBCs.
Political Reactions
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from political parties. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) defended the move, stating it is based on scientific data and aims to provide equitable opportunities. Opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, have criticised the reduction, alleging it is an attempt to appease certain vote banks ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
BJP state president said, "This is a betrayal of the OBC community. The Mamata Banerjee government is trying to divide the backward classes for political gain." On the other hand, TMC spokesperson argued, "The revision is based on the commission's report and will ensure that the most backward communities get priority."
Impact on Beneficiaries
The new OBC list will affect approximately 2 crore people in the state. The regularisation of 66 castes means that communities previously classified as 'more backward' will now be eligible for the same benefits as other OBCs. However, the reduction in overall reservation percentage may lead to increased competition for limited seats in education and government jobs.
Social activists have welcomed the regularisation of castes but expressed concern over the reduced quota. "While it is good that more communities are recognised, the cut in reservation may dilute the benefits for the most needy," said a local activist.
Background
West Bengal had previously provided 17% reservation for OBCs, which was higher than the national average. The state government constituted a commission in 2023 to review the OBC list and suggest changes. The commission submitted its report in early 2026, recommending a reduction to 7% based on current population data and socio-economic indicators.
The new list is expected to be notified soon, and the reservation policy will be implemented from the next academic and recruitment cycles.
