OBV

#OBC

#OtherBackwardClass

#India

#Caste

In India, “Other Backward Class” (OBC) refers to a collective term used by the government to classify socially and educationally disadvantaged castes.

It is one of the categories in India’s system of affirmative action (known as “reservation”) aimed at uplifting historically marginalized communities.

#SC

#ScheduledCastes

#ST

#ScheduledTribes

Overview of OBC:

• Definition: OBCs are groups that are socially and educationally backward, but not as disadvantaged as Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST).

• Reservation: OBCs are entitled to 27% reservation in education and government jobs (as per the Mandal Commission recommendations, implemented in 1990).

• List: The OBC category includes numerous castes and varies by state and central government lists.

• Sub-categorization:

• Creamy Layer: Refers to the economically advanced members of OBCs who are excluded from reservation benefits.

• Non-Creamy Layer: Eligible for reservation; defined by an income ceiling (currently ₹8 lakh per year, but under periodic review).

Historical Context:

• Mandal Commission (1979): Headed by B.P. Mandal, it recommended 27% reservations for OBCs in public sector jobs and education.

• The commission found that 52% of India’s population belonged to OBCs.

• The implementation in 1990 triggered widespread protests and support, shaping Indian politics deeply.

Legal and Constitutional Framework:

• Constitutional Basis: Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Indian Constitution allow the state to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes.

• Supreme Court Rulings:

• Indra Sawhney Case (1992): Upheld the 27% reservation but introduced the “creamy layer” concept and capped total reservations at 50% (with some exceptions).

Key Points to Remember:

Category Reservation Quota Basis

SC 15% Caste-based disadvantage

ST 7.5% Tribal marginalization

OBC 27% Social and educational backwardness

Current Issues and Debates:

• Demand for sub-categorization within OBCs: Some argue that dominant OBC castes corner most of the benefits.

• Inclusion/exclusion of certain castes in the OBC list is politically sensitive.

• Periodic review of the OBC list is conducted by the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).

If you’d like to explore the OBC list for a particular state, understand how to apply for an OBC certificate, or dive into creamy layer rules, I can help further.

#IndiaHierarchy