New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS): The Union Cabinet on Thursday extended till May 2019 the tenure of the committee set up to examine the issue of sub-categorization of OBCs.

A Cabinet meet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the extension as the Committee sought time to have a round of discussion with the states and their Backward Classes Commissions before finalizing the sub-categorized lists and the report.

This is the fourth extension granted to the commission for submission of its politically crucial report on creating quotas within quotas. In August, the Committee was given extension till November 30, 2018.

The President had on October 2, 2017, appointed the Commission to examine the sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes. Its report was to be submitted within three months (i.e. by January 2018). But since then, it has sought and was granted extensions citing voluminous nature of its task.

Sub-categorization of the OBCs will ensure that the more backwards among the OBC communities can also access the benefits of reservation in educational institutions and government jobs.

"The Commission has held extensive meetings with stake holders including the state governments, the State Backward Classes Commissions, various community associations and general public belonging to various Backward Classes and Commissions and also obtained records, caste-wise, of OBCs admitted in higher educational institution as well as similar caste-wise data of recruits in Central Departments, Central Public Sector Undertakings, Public Sector Banks and Financial Institutions," an official release said.