Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 10: The Centre provides 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in direct recruitment to civil posts and services under the central government, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B L Verma said the reservation policy is implemented by the Department of Personnel and Training.

In a written reply, the minister said the government follows a reservation policy issued through an office memorandum dated September 8, 1993 by the Department of Personnel and Training, along with other instructions issued from time to time.

“Under this policy, 27 per cent of vacancies in direct recruitment to civil posts and services under the government are reserved for OBCs (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes),” Verma said.

He also said the ministry is implementing several welfare measures for OBCs under the umbrella scheme of the PM Young Achievers’ Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI). The scheme includes pre-matric and post-matric scholarships, top-class education in schools and colleges, and construction of hostels for OBC boys and girls.

Apart from this, the government is also running the Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS-OBC), which includes the National Fellowship for OBCs and the Dr Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for overseas studies for OBCs and economically backward classes.

Verma added that welfare schemes for OBCs are reviewed from time to time in consultation with stakeholders and the concerned ministries and departments.