OBC Community expresses deep resentment over exclusion from Census 2027 online forms
Ferozepur: May 3, 2026: The exclusion of a dedicated column for ‘Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Backward Classes’ in the online self-enumeration forms for Census 2027 has sparked a wave of outrage across the community.
Senior Congress leader Gurbhej Tibbi, National Coordinator of the OBC Department for the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and In-charge of Jammu & Kashmir, described this omission as an extremely unfortunate betrayal of the backward classes. Tibbi emphasized that a caste-based census is a critical necessity of the modern era, as it is the only way to bring the true social, economic, and educational status of various demographic groups to light. He alleged that the Government of India is deliberately avoiding this data collection because it fears that once backward classes realize their actual numerical strength and collective power, they will become significantly more aware and demanding of their fundamental rights.
The controversy centers on the new self-enumeration facility which allows citizens to enter their information independently via an official portal until May 14, 2026. While designed for public convenience, the absence of an OBC-specific category has led to accusations of systemic exclusion.
Tibbi argued that if the government truly values social justice and equality, it must prioritize the collection of accurate data regarding the OBC community’s population and living conditions. He demanded the immediate inclusion of a specific column for OBC/Backward Classes in the digital forms to ensure every segment of society receives proportionate representation and recognition.
Furthermore, Gurbhej Tibbi took the opportunity to criticize the Punjab State Government, claiming that despite repeated directives from the National Commission for Backward Classes to implement rightful reservations, the state has failed to provide justice to these communities. He pointed out that the combined actions of the Central Government—through the census form exclusion—and the State Government—through reservation delays—demonstrate a shared lack of interest in the welfare of the backward classes.
Issuing a stern warning, Tibbi stated that if immediate corrective steps are not taken, the OBC community will be forced to launch a widespread struggle to secure their constitutional rights and ensure their voices are heard.