Rahul Gandhi Questions Exclusion of Bahujan Entrepreneurs from Major Public Contracts in India
Synopsis
In a recent statement, Rahul Gandhi has shed light on the alarming exclusion of Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC entrepreneurs from India's significant public contracts, prompting questions about social justice and governmental accountability.
Key Takeaways
Rahul Gandhi raises concerns about the exclusion of Dalit , Adivasi , and OBC entrepreneurs in public contracts.
No data is maintained by the government on contracts awarded to these groups.
The government has a policy requiring 25% of procurement from MSMEs.
Union Minister admits no tracking system for SC, ST, or OBC contracts.
Public works contracts have increased significantly in recent years.
New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has voiced significant concerns regarding the exclusion of Dalit, Adivasi, and Other Backward Class (OBC) entrepreneurs from India's major public works and infrastructure contracts.
In a Facebook post, he questioned, “Last year, from the Rs 16,500 crore allocated for public works contracts, how many contracts were awarded to Dalit, Adivasi, and backward class businesses? The government's lack of data on this is alarming.”
This issue arose from a query Rahul Gandhi raised in the Lok Sabha (Unstarred Question No. 6264), demanding information about the total number and value of public works and infrastructure contracts granted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs over the last five years, alongside details on contracts awarded to SC, ST, and OBC enterprises.
He also inquired whether the government achieved its goal of 4 percent procurement from SC/ST businesses and if there were plans to set similar targets for OBC enterprises.
In response, Tokhan Sahu, the Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, acknowledged that while data on the overall number and value of public works contracts over the past five years is accessible, there is “no existing system to monitor contracts awarded to SC, ST, or OBC enterprises.”
He further explained that this information is unavailable because tracking is not mandated for construction contracts, leaving Rahul Gandhi’s questions about social inclusion unaddressed.
Rahul Gandhi highlighted that government policy requires that 25 percent of public procurement should be sourced from MSMEs, including 4 percent from SC/ST enterprises, yet “when it pertains to the largest and most lucrative contracts—public works—the government claims this is ‘not mandatory’. This isn’t just an administrative oversight. It’s a system intentionally designed through the Modi government’s policies that undermines social and economic justice.”
Data from Parliament indicates that the number and value of central public works contracts have consistently risen over the last five years, with 8,402 contracts worth Rs 16,587 crore awarded in 2025-26 alone.
Point of View
The ongoing debate around the inclusion of marginalized communities in public contracts reflects broader societal issues of equity and justice. Rahul Gandhi's concerns bring to light the need for transparency and accountability in governmental practices to promote fair opportunities for all.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What concerns did Rahul Gandhi raise about public contracts?
Rahul Gandhi expressed concerns about the lack of inclusion of Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC entrepreneurs in public contracts, highlighting the government's failure to maintain relevant data.
What is the government's procurement policy regarding SC/ST businesses?
The government mandates that 25% of public procurement should come from MSMEs, including a target of 4% for SC/ST-owned businesses.
What did the Union Minister of State for Housing say about tracking contracts?
The Union Minister stated that there is no system to track contracts awarded to SC, ST, or OBC enterprises, which contributes to the lack of data.
How much was allocated for public works contracts last year?
Last year, Rs 16,500 crore was allocated for public works contracts.
What was the response to Rahul Gandhi's questions in Lok Sabha?
The response indicated a lack of mandatory tracking for contracts awarded to marginalized groups, leaving questions about social inclusion unanswered.
