Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot said that the state would increase OBC reservation from 21% to 27%, with the extra 6% going to the most disadvantaged people within the category. If and when the adjustment is implemented, Rajasthan's entire reservation rate will increase from 64% to 70%.
Gehlot made the announcement while addressing a crowd during a rally for Congressman Rahul Gandhi at Mangarh Dham, close to Banswara. He later tweeted about the proposal in detail. Taking the cue from Rahul, the CM said, "You (Rahul) said just now that there should be a caste-based census in the country. It is a message for the nation. We would want such a census to be done in Rajasthan as well. People will get their rights based on caste (population)."
Gehlot tweeted that the state OBC commission would carry out a survey to identify the most backward groups within the OBC category. “This will provide the most backward castes more opportunities for education and service in the government sector."
The CM stated that numerous SC-ST organisations had demanded population-based reservations. "The government is getting this demand also examined," he said, adding that the Rajasthan government has removed the requirement of immovable property for the 10% quota allocated to the EWS group.
Former deputy CM Sachin Pilot, who was also prresent at the rally, spoke of Congress aiming to replicate Karnataka at the Centre in 2024.