The West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Monday passed the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) (Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts) (Amendment) Bill, 2026extending reservation benefits to 66 classes under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
The legislation was passed during the Assembly’s ongoing session and marks a significant development in the state’s reservation framework for socially and educationally backward communities other than the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
With the passage of the amendment Bill, the state government has formally included 66 classes under the OBC reservation framework for vacancies in government services and public posts. The amendment modifies the existing legislation governing reservation benefits for backward classes in West Bengal.
The Bill was introduced, debated and subsequently approved by the Assembly as part of the day’s legislative business. It was among the key items listed on the House agenda, alongside other proposed legislation concerning backward classes, public order and public safety.
The amendment specifically relates to the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) (Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts) Actupdating provisions governing reservation in state government employment.
Officials have not released additional details regarding the distribution of reservation among the newly included classes or the implementation timeline following the Bill’s passage.
The legislation comes as the state government continues to review policies relating to backward class welfare and reservation in public employment. The amendment is expected to become operational after completing the remaining constitutional and procedural formalities required for enactment.
The Assembly proceedings also included discussions on other legislative proposals concerning backward class administration and governance. However, the OBC amendment Bill emerged as one of the most significant measures cleared during Monday’s sitting.
The passage of the Bill represents a major legislative step concerning reservation policy in West Bengal and is expected to have implications for recruitment to government services and public sector posts covered under the state’s reservation framework.
Authorities are expected to issue detailed notifications regarding implementation, beneficiary categories and administrative procedures after the legislation receives the necessary approvals.
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