West Bengal Government Takes Historic Step in Reservation Policy

The West Bengal government has enacted a historic change in its reservation policy, discontinuing religion-based classifications and regularizing 66 OBC communities. This decision, made in response to a Calcutta High Court ruling, reinstates eligibility for a seven percent quota in government services. Experts believe this move could significantly alter caste dynamics in the state ahead of an upcoming census. The new policy replaces the previous reservation system, aiming to ensure social justice and transparency. Learn more about the implications of these changes for various communities in West Bengal.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2026, 09:30 IST

Significant Changes in Reservation System

The West Bengal government has made a pivotal and historic decision regarding the reservation system and caste equations in the state. Following a cabinet meeting, the government has resolved to completely discontinue religion-based classification schemes. Additionally, 66 communities that were included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation list prior to 2010 have now been regularized, reinstating their eligibility for the seven percent quota.

This action follows a decision by the state cabinet to comply with a ruling from the Calcutta High Court in May 2024, which annulled the existing OBC list. The court's ruling invalidated the OBC status and certificates granted to 77 additional communities added between 2010 and 2012.

Experts suggest that this development could reshape caste equations in West Bengal ahead of the proposed census, potentially leading to significant socio-economic implications. A notification from the state's backward classes welfare department indicates that these communities, which include three Muslim groups, will now qualify for seven percent reservation in government services.

The current regularization replaces the previous system, which allocated ten percent reservation for the more backward class A and seven percent for the backward class B. The OBC list now includes various traditional and social communities such as Kapali, Kurmi, Sudradhar, Karmakar, Sutradhara, Swarnakar, Napit, Tanti, Dhanuk, Kasai, Khandait, Turha, Devanga, and Gola.

The three Muslim communities included in this list are Paharia, Hajjam, and Choudhuli. After the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Social Welfare Minister Agnimitra Paul announced the cancellation of the existing OBC list, stating that this decision was made to ensure social justice and transparency in accordance with the court's directives.