New Delhi, Aug 27 (KNN) The Union Cabinet gave its approval for amending the central list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to include Sipai and Patni Jamat or Turk Jamat (all Muslims) of Gujarat and Kahar and Tanwar Singhariya of Uttarakhand.

The decision was taken as per the advice received from the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).

"The amendments will enable the persons belonging to these castes/communities to avail the benefits of reservation in government services and posts as well as in central educational institutions as per the existing policy," said an official statement.

"They will also become eligible for benefit under various welfare schemes, scholarships etc. being administered by the central government, which are at present available to persons belonging to the OBCs," it added.

The Cabinet also proposed to notify a total of two changes recommended by NCBC in respect of two states.
The NCBC has been tendering advice to the Central Government from time to time.
 
A total of 35 notifications have been issued so far and till date, a total of 2404 "entries" (as "entry" means a caste, including its synonyms, sub-castes etc.) have been notified in the Central list of OBCs for 24 States and 6 Union Territories.
 
The last such notification was issued on July 14, 2015. Accordingly, it is now proposed to notify a total of two changes recommended by NCBC in respect of two States. (KNN Bureau)