Date : 21/10/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 2 – Polity

Keywords – Mandal Commision, Sub-categorization of Caste, EBCs, Denotified Communities

Context

The recent release of Bihar's caste survey results sparked discussions about the potential for other states to conduct similar surveys. In a recent update, the Minister for Backward Classes Welfare in Andhra Pradesh announced the commencement of a backward classes census. The identification of castes and the sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to ensure fair distribution of reservation benefits have long been topics of debate.

Origin of the Term OBC

The term OBC, which stands for Other Backward Classes, was coined to encompass communities and castes in India that were socially and economically disadvantaged but did not fall under the categories of Scheduled Castes (SCs) or Scheduled Tribes (STs). This social backwardness in India has historically been a result of caste status, leading to various forms of marginalization for these communities.

Constitutional Affirmation of OBC Status

The Constitution of India recognizes the need for affirmative action for OBCs through Article 15(4). According to this article, the state has the authority to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes of citizens. Additionally, Article 16(4) empowers the state to reserve appointments or posts in favor of any backward class of citizens that is inadequately represented in the government services.

Sub-Categorization of OBCs: Backwards Among OBCs

OBCs have traditionally been categorized based on their occupations, including cultivation of land, tenant farming, agricultural labor, selling of agricultural produce, animal husbandry, and various artisan occupations such as carpentry, blacksmithing, and pottery. Within the OBCs, there are distinctions between those who own land, such as the Yadavs and Kurmis in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and those who do not. These sub-categories highlight the diverse levels of marginalization among OBC communities.

Understanding Bihar's Caste Dynamics: A Historical Perspective

Bihar Government's Initiatives (1951-1970)

• In 1951, Bihar conducted a caste survey categorizing 27% as "backward" and 36% as "Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs)." Initially, 109 castes were identified, with 79 considered more backward. However, in 1964, Patna High Court declared the lists unconstitutional.
• In 1970, the Mungeri Lal Commission identified 128 backward communities, emphasizing 94 as the most backward. The subsequent government, led by CM Karpoori Thakur, implemented the Commission's recommendations. This led to the Karpoori Thakur Formula, providing 26% reservation.

Caste Politics in Bihar: A Shift in Dynamics

• CM Nitish Kumar strategically reached out to artisan castes among OBCs, sidelining upper OBCs like Yadavs, who supported his rival Lalu Prasad. Similar to EBCs, Mahadalits were identified within the Scheduled Castes.
• Currently, OBC reservations in Bihar are divided into Backward Classes I, Backward Classes II, and OBC Women. Changes might occur based on future caste survey findings.

National OBC Commissions and Their Impact

First OBC Commission (1953-1955)

• Headed by Kaka Kalelkar, this commission identified socially and educationally backward classes based on caste hierarchy, lack of educational progress, and underrepresentation in government and industries. The commission listed 2,399 backward castes, recommending 25-40% job reservation and 70% reservation in technical and professional institutions. However, these recommendations were never implemented.

Second OBC Commission (Mandal Commission, 1979-1990)

• Appointed in 1979, the Mandal Commission identified 3,743 OBCs, recommending 27% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. Despite suggestions for subcategories, the entire OBC population was treated as one block, excluding the "creamy layer" based on a Supreme Court ruling.
• Bihar's caste dynamics have undergone significant changes through governmental initiatives and political strategies. National OBC commissions provided frameworks for reservation policies, yet challenges like subcategorization and the "creamy layer" persist in the implementation process.

OBC Subcategories Across Indian States: A Diverse Landscape

Over the years, state governments in India have devised their own methods to distribute reservation benefits among various OBC subcategories, predating the implementation of the Mandal recommendations at the national level. This diversity reflects the complex nature of India's social structure and caste dynamics. Here's a look at how different states have classified OBCs:

1. Andhra Pradesh:

• In Andhra Pradesh, OBCs are classified into five subcategories, including Aboriginal tribes, Professional groups (such as tappers), and SC converts to Christianity and their descendants.

2. Karnataka:

• Karnataka has divided its 207 OBC castes into five sub-groups, reflecting specific social and economic distinctions within the OBC community.

3. Jharkhand:

• Jharkhand categorizes its OBCs into two groups: Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Backward Classes, recognizing different levels of backwardness among these communities.

4. West Bengal:

• In West Bengal, the 143 OBC castes are split into More Backwards and Backwards, acknowledging varying degrees of social and economic challenges faced by these groups.

5. Maharashtra:

• Maharashtra allocates its 21% OBC reservation between the Special Backward Category (2%) and Other Backward Classes (19%), addressing specific needs within the broader OBC classification.

6. Tamil Nadu:

• Tamil Nadu's 50% OBC quota is distributed among Backward Classes (26.5%), Backward Class Muslims (3.5%), and Most Backward Classes/Denotified Communities (20%), recognizing the diverse social fabric within the state.

This diverse categorization of OBCs at the state level illustrates the nuanced approach taken by different regions in India to address the multifaceted challenges faced by various communities, ensuring a more targeted and equitable distribution of reservation benefits.

Conclusion

The release of the Bihar Caste Survey report has sparked a widespread national discourse on the intricate composition of caste demographics and the allocation of resources and opportunities. This report has become a focal point of discussion, and it has become increasingly imperative for political parties to address its findings comprehensively. Experts opine that the revelations within the survey are likely to compel political entities to announce and initiate a broader array of welfare programs specifically tailored for the impoverished and marginalized segments of society.

One notable consequence of the survey's revelations is the amplifying demand for reservations within the OBC category specifically aimed at addressing the disadvantaged sections within this group. This call for reservations stems from a growing sentiment that a select few upper OBCs have disproportionately availed themselves of the advantages provided by the existing 27% reservation policy. As this sentiment gains traction, there is an increasing push for policies that not only ensure equitable distribution but also prioritize the socioeconomically deprived factions among the OBCs, thereby fostering a more inclusive and just societal framework.

Source – Indian Express