The essentials
Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are social groups, other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, that are socially and educationally backward. The first Backward Classes Commission was set up in the 1950s, but its recommendations were not implemented. In 1979 the Janata government appointed the Second Backward Classes Commission, chaired by B.P. Mandal and usually called the Mandal Commission. Its report, submitted in 1980, recommended 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions, along with land reform and other measures.
In August 1990 the National Front government led by V.P. Singh announced 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in central government jobs. This caused protests in several parts of north India, as well as strong support among OBC groups. The decision was challenged in court; in the Indra Sawhney case (1992) the Supreme Court upheld OBC reservation, with some limits.
Key points
- OBC leaders and parties gained strength, especially in north Indian states, after the Mandal decision.
- Dalit politics: organisations such as the Dalit Panthers, formed in Maharashtra in 1972 by young Dalit writers and activists, fought caste-based discrimination and atrocities.
- Kanshi Ram founded BAMCEF (an organisation of government employees from backward and minority communities) in 1978 and later the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in 1984. The BSP mobilised Dalits and other disadvantaged groups and later formed governments in Uttar Pradesh.
- The idea of “bahujan” refers to the majority of the people, including Dalits, OBCs, Adivasis and minorities, who had been socially excluded.
Exam tips
- Remember: Mandal Commission appointed 1979, report 1980, implementation 1990, Indra Sawhney 1992.
- Link Kanshi Ram with BAMCEF and the BSP.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the Mandal Commission was appointed by the V.P. Singh government; it was appointed in 1979 by the Janata government, and implemented by V.P. Singh's government.
- Confusing OBC reservation (27 per cent) with reservation for SCs and STs.