OBC Subcategorization in India

OBCs and Subcategory Debate in India

The release of the caste survey results in Bihar recently has ignited discussions about the possibility of similar surveys in other states. In a recent development, the Minister for Backward Classes Welfare in Andhra Pradesh announced plans for a backward classes census. The enumeration of castes and sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits have been contentious issues for a long time.

The term OBC, which stands for Other Backward Classes, was coined to represent marginalized communities and castes that were not part of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) or Scheduled Tribes (STs). It is acknowledged that social backwardness in India has historically been linked to caste status, with other forms of backwardness stemming from this initial disadvantage. The Constitution affirms affirmative action for OBCs through Article 15(4), allowing special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes. Article 16(4) permits the reservation of appointments or posts in favor of backward classes.

OBCs have traditionally been identified based on their occupation, including landowners, tenant farmers, agricultural laborers, and various artisan groups. Sub-categorization within OBCs is essential due to the varying degrees of marginalization. In Bihar, for example, there are those who own land, such as the Yadavs and Kurmis, and those who do not.

Bihar's historical caste survey in 1951 identified 27% of the population as "pichhda" (backward) and 36% as "atyantpichhda" (Extremely Backward Classes or EBCs). Subsequent developments, including the Mungeri Lal Commission and the Karpoori Thakur Formula, played a significant role in OBC reservation in Bihar. However, caste-based politics in the state has led to complex divisions and realignments among OBCs.

At the national level, there have been two OBC Commissions. The first, led by Kaka Kalelkar, identified socially and educationally backward classes and recommended reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. The second, known as the Mandal Commission, identified a vast number of OBCs and recommended 27% reservation without subcategories.

Different states have applied their own criteria to distribute quota benefits among OBCs, leading to variations in subcategories and reservation percentages. This diversity has persisted for decades, even before the implementation of the Mandal recommendations at the national level.

The Bihar Caste survey report has sparked a nationwide debate about caste composition and its share of benefits. Experts believe that this report will compel political parties to announce more welfare schemes for the marginalized sections of society. There is a growing demand for reservation for the less privileged among OBCs, as it is perceived that a small segment of upper OBCs has disproportionately benefited from the 27% reservation.

Thank You