Minorities in Assam's riverine areas may get OBC status

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is awaiting the Assam government's nod to grant other backward class (OBC) status on 30 lakh minorities residing in the state's char (riverine) areas.

"The commission is awaiting the report of the state government to enable it to grant OBC status to the people residing in the char areas," commission member Abdul Ali Azizi said.

Azizi, who was on a visit to Nagaon district in Central Assam, said, "One hostel for minority students will be set up soon in all district headquarters of the country.The hostels will be set up with equal grants from the central and state governments."

Azizi said a countrywide awareness movement for the minorities will be started soon. The first such venture, he said, will be launched from Nagaon.