Kathmandu, November 6:

The Nepal Other Backward Class (OBC) Federation has announced an indefinite Madhes-wide strike from Monday to pressure the government to set up an OBC academy, one of its principle demands.

“Talks and efforts, which have been going on for the formation of the federation, have failed to come up with anything concrete,” the federation stated, accusing the government of stalling the setting up of the institution by “offering several excuses.”

“The government’s attitude has forced us to come up with the agitation plan,” said Bharat Prasad Mahto, president, Nepal OBC Federation.

“In the last two years, the state has earmarked Rs 2.5 crore and 3.75 crore in the budget for district development. The process to set up the academy also began two years ago, but it has led to nowhere,” he added.

The federation has demanded that the government make mention of OBC all castes and creeds in the constitution and release all those, who have been arrested on political grounds.

The agitators plan to encircle the Ministry of Local Development and Singha Durbar on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

The federation said its agitation will continue unless the government promises to address its demands.