DH News Service

BANGALORE:Increasing number of castes are seeking the 'backward class' tag and as many as 290 castes have applied with the Karnataka State Permanent Backward Classes Commission for the OBC status.

Addressing a press conference here recently, the newly appointed chairman of the Commission, Mr S Muniraju, said that the Commission is considering the applications. On the whole, the Commission has received 874 applications- 113 on change of caste synonyms, 17 for change in caste names and others. The Commission has addressed many applications but 271 applications are still pending, he said.

Noting that many new hostels have been started for students of OBCs, he said that around 58,945 students are making use of the facility.