OBC community protests for welfare rights in Dharamsala

Hundreds of members of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) today marched from Kangra Sadar to Dharamsala in support of their demand for constitutional rights, social equality and increased representation of their community in the state.

The rally, organised by the Himachal Pradesh Chaudhary Foundation and the OBC Sangharsh Samiti, was part of a broader “OBC Social Justice Yatra”.

The protesters, holding placards, raised slogans -- “Hum Jhukenenge Nahi, Hum Apne Adhikaar Lenge” (We will not bow down, we will claim our rights), highlighting long-standing grievances over the lack of implementation of mandated reservation.

Their key demands included the immediate implementation of 27 per cent OBC reservation in higher education and government jobs as per the 93rd Amendment, implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations and the Supreme Court rulings.

They also sought filling of vacant posts, strict action against the misuse of the “not found suitable” clause and OBC representation in the recruitment panels of commissions like the HPPSC.

Shrikanth Chaudhary, head of the Girth, Bahti and Chang Association, criticised the lack of OBC representation in public service bodies. “We are given the same treatment as a much smaller community like the Tibetan refugees. This is injustice,” he added.

Demands also extended to education infrastructure, economic support and welfare schemes, including hostels for OBC students, increased loan limits and reservation in petrol pump and gas agency allotment.

The protesters said that if the state government failed to respond to their demands, they would protest in front of the Vidhan Sabha during the winter session. “This is not just about benefits; it’s about dignity, identity and our rightful place in society,” they added.