OTHER BACKWARD CLASSES

INTRODUCTION

• Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in India consist of various communities facing social and educational disadvantages. These groups are officially recognized for special support under the Indian Constitution.
• OBCs represent a large and diverse segment of the population, encompassing numerous castes and communities historically marginalized in socio-economic contexts.
• The term OBC refers to marginalized communities not classified as Scheduled Castes (SCs) or Scheduled Tribes (STs). Historically, caste status has been a primary factor in social backwardness, with other forms of disadvantage arising from this initial inequality.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

• Article 16(4) permits the state to reserve positions in government services for backward classes underrepresented in state employment.
• Article 16(4A) allows for reservations in promotions for backward classes in state services.
• Article 15(4) enables special provisions for advancing socially and educationally backward classes.
• Article 338B outlines the National Commission for Backward Classes’ structure, responsibilities, and powers.
• Article 340 authorizes the president to establish a commission to examine conditions of socially and educationally backward classes.
• Article 342A empowers the President to designate specific castes as Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) and gives Parliament the authority to amend the list.

HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF OBC STATUS IN INDIA

• Established in 1953, the Kalelkar Commission was the first to recognize backward classes beyond SCs and STs nationally.
• The 1980 Mandal Commission Report estimated OBCs at 52% of the population and identified 1,257 communities as backward.
• The report proposed increasing reservations from 22.5% to 49.5%, extending the quota to OBCs.
• The central government acted on this, reserving 27% of central civil posts and services for OBCs under Article 16(4), and extending this to education under Article 15(4).
• In 2008, the Supreme Court directed exclusion of the “creamy layer” from reservations to ensure benefits reach the most disadvantaged.
• The 2018 102nd Constitution Amendment Act granted constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), enhancing its authority and recognition

WHAT IS THE NEED FOR SUB-CATEGORISATION OF OBCs?

• OBCs receive 27% reservation in central jobs and education, but only a few dominant groups benefit significantly.
• The 2018 Rohini Commission review showed 97% of benefits went to just 25% of OBC castes, leaving many without representation.
• Approximately 983 OBC communities (37% of the total) had no representation in jobs and education, highlighting the need for sub-categorisation.
• Sub-categorisation aims to distribute the 27% reservation more equitably among historically underrepresented OBC communities.
• The idea of sub-categorisation of OBC is to provide reservation to backwards amongst the OBCs which are granted 27% reservation in jobs and education under the central government.
• For OBCs, the debate arises out of the perception that only a few affluent communities in the Central List of OBCs have secured a major part of the 27% reservation. By creating sub-categories within OBCs it would ensure “equitable distribution” of representation among all OBC communities. (To examine this, the Rohini Commission was constituted on October 2, 2017.)

ISSUES

1. Limited Educational Access: OBC students face educational barriers, especially in rural areas, affecting their performance and career prospects. Example: Poor infrastructure in remote schools.
2. Economic Disparities: OBC communities often experience economic marginalization with limited access to resources and job opportunities. Example: Lower income levels.
3. Inadequate Representation: OBCs are underrepresented in higher political and administrative roles, affecting their influence in governance. Example: Few senior OBC bureaucrats.
4. Reservation Misuse: Reservation benefits sometimes favor affluent OBC individuals rather than those most in need. Example: Wealthier families accessing reserved seats.
5. Social Discrimination: OBC members face social stigma and discrimination, affecting their broader societal acceptance. Example: Caste-based social biases.
6. Delay in Sub-Categorisation: Sub-categorisation has faced delays, exacerbated by disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, hindering timely policy execution. Example: Postponed administrative actions.
7. Complex Enumeration Issues: Accurate OBC data collection is challenging due to administrative complexities and discrepancies between State and Central lists. Example: Differences in OBC classifications.
8. Breach of 50-Percent Ceiling: Sub-categorisation may lead to increased reservation demands, risking a breach of the Supreme Court’s 50-percent ceiling. Example: Demand for separate reservations.
9. Lack of Data: The absence of comprehensive and public data from the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census impedes effective policy planning. Example: Unreleased census data affecting policy.
10. Electoral Politics: The sub-categorisation process can be exploited for electoral gain rather than addressing genuine needs. Example: Political manipulation for votes.

IMPLICATIONS

1. Social Fragmentation: Delays and complexities in OBC sub-categorisation can heighten community tensions and resource conflicts. Example: Disputes among OBC sub-groups.
2. Economic Inefficiency: Misuse of reservations by affluent OBCs can perpetuate inequality and reduce economic effectiveness. Example: Wealthier OBCs accessing reserved positions.
3. Administrative Burdens: Managing multiple OBC lists adds complexity and inefficiency to government processes.
4. Legal Challenges: Sub-categorisation could breach the 50-percent reservation ceiling, leading to legal issues.
5. Political Manipulation: OBC issues might be exploited for electoral advantage instead of addressing real needs. Example: Political use of OBC reservations.

INITIATIVES

1. Educational Welfare – Pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for OBC students.
2. Economic Welfare – (a) Krishi Sampada (loans for farmers and vendors) (b) Saksham Yojana (financial aid for students).
3. Social Welfare – Support for skill development of OBCs/DNTS/EBCL.
4. Constitutional Status – Constitutional recognition for the National Backward Class Commission.
5. New Swarnima Scheme for Women – Loans up to Rs. 1,00,000 at 5% p.a. for women from backward classes below double the poverty line.
6. Shilp Sampada Scheme – Aims to enhance technical and entrepreneurial skills of backward classes through training and financial assistance.

INNOVATION

• Enhanced Data Collection and Analysis: Create a detailed database for OBC communities to tailor policies and assess impacts effectively.
• Revision of List: Regularly update the creamy layer income limits and incorporate factors like per capita income and cost of living.
• Use of Rohini Commission Data: Properly utilize the Rohini Commission’s data for OBC classification without bias.
• Strong Political Will: Political parties should focus on substantive improvements in reservation implementation rather than using it for electoral benefits.
• Skill Development Programs: Expand vocational training and skill development tailored for OBC youth to enhance job prospects.
• Technology-Driven Education: Implement digital solutions to offer quality education and training in rural and tribal OBC areas.
• Transparent Reservation Systems: Increase transparency and accountability in the reservation system to ensure equitable benefits for disadvantaged OBCs.
• Community-Driven Governance: Involve OBC communities in decision-making processes through participatory governance to enhance their role in development.

CONCLUSION

• Addressing the challenges faced by Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in India requires a comprehensive approach focused on inclusivity and effective policy execution. Improving data accuracy, expanding skill development, and utilizing technology can bridge existing gaps, while ensuring transparency in reservation systems will uphold fairness.
• Empowering OBC communities through participatory governance will foster greater involvement in decision-making. By adopting these strategies, India can create a more equitable environment where OBCs are both beneficiaries of affirmative action and contributors to national progress. Such measures will advance social justice, stimulate economic growth, and reinforce India’s commitment to inclusive development.