State sent list of 17 Most Backward Castes for inclusion in SC list: CM

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday announced that his government had sent its recommendation for inclusion of 17 Most Backward Castes (MBC) in Scheduled Caste (SC) list, to the Centre on Friday.

Akhilesh also declared April 5 as public holiday to mark the birth anniversary of Maharaja Nishad Raj.

Gayatri Prajapati, Minister of State for Irrigation, had organised a sammelan of 17 MBCs at Samajwadi Party (SP) headquarters today. The function was attended by Akhilesh and Cabinet Minister Shivpal Yadav. Thousands of workers belonging to the 17 MBCs braved the incessant rain and attended the programme.

Prajapati, who represents Amethi seat, had made elaborate arrangements as several screens were set up both inside and outside the party office. "Prajapati has done a good job. He has converted a sammelan into a rally. He deserves credit for it. We will surely promote such persons from MBC communities," Akhilesh said.

"Though Netaji is not present in this sammelan, I knew he would have asked me the status about the letter. I inform you that my government has sent the letter yesterday only to the Centre for inclusion of 17 MBCs in SC list," Akhilesh added.

Further, on the demand of Nishad community, Akhilesh announced that April 5 will now be a public holiday to mark the birth anniversary of Maharaja Nishad Raj. "You have demanded it and I will fulfill it. It is necessary so that there is discussion among the people about the holiday and the great persons of your community becomes known to all," Akhilesh added.

Earlier, Mulayam Singh Yadav during his regime had passed the resolution in the state cabinet in February 2004 and had sent recommendation to the Centre for inclusion of these castes in SC list in December 2004. Later, Mulayam went ahead and issued a government order on 10 October 2005 giving SC benefits to these castes, which was, however, struck down by the High Court.

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