Thousands of OBC candidates in Madhya Pradesh, who were selected for government jobs under the increased 27 per cent reservation announced in 2018, are still waiting for their appointments, even after nearly six years. The situation has left aspirants across the state frustrated and disillusioned, as the legal dispute over the reservation hike continues to linger in the Supreme Court.
In 2018, the Congress government had increased OBC reservation in government jobs and education from 14 per cent to 27 per cent, pushing the total reservation in the state to 63 per cent. The move sparked political support among backward communities, but it also triggered a legal battle initiated by the organisation Youth for Equality, which challenged the decision in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, citing the Supreme Court’s 50 per cent cap on reservations as laid down in the Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (1992) judgment.
While the Madhya Pradesh High Court ultimately upheld the government’s decision, saying the state had justified the need for enhanced reservation, Youth for Equality escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, where the case remains pending.
As a result, recruitment lists from 2018 and onward — particularly those involving OBC candidates selected under the 27 per cent quota — have not been fully implemented, leaving thousands in limbo. The government selected 27 per cent OBC candidates, but recruited only 14 per cent and 13 per cent were kept on hold.
“We fulfilled every requirement, cleared exams, and got selected. Yet, we’ve been waiting for years without any clarity from the government,” said Rahul Verma (name changed), who was selected for a clerical position in 2019 and is still awaiting his appointment.
The OBC Mahasabha has strongly criticised the delay in appointments. “This is not just a bureaucratic delay — it’s a betrayal of constitutional rights. The 27 per cent quota was legally implemented, and aspirants selected under it must be given their due,” said Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a national spokesperson of the OBC Mahasabha. “Thousands of families are suffering because of this inaction.”
On the other hand, Youth for Equality maintains its position against the policy. “We are not against any community, but we oppose the violation of constitutional norms. The total reservation crossing 50 per cent sets a dangerous precedent,” said Anupam Yadav, a representative of the organisation. “We trust the Supreme Court to uphold the principle of equality and merit.”
The state government has so far refrained from issuing a blanket order on pending appointments, citing the matter as sub judice. However, legal experts point out that the delay in implementing selections made under a law upheld by the High Court raises serious administrative concerns.
While speaking to The Pioneer, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla stated that it was the BJP government in the State that presented its stance in the High Court in support of OBCs. He added that a few petitions are still pending before the Supreme Court, and once the apex court delivers its verdict, the state government will implement the 27 per cent quota for OBCs in full.