What is the definition of 'Other Backward Class' (OBC) as used by the Government of India?

The Government of India uses the term 'Other Backward Class' (OBC) to classify communities that are identified as 'educationally or socially backward,' meaning they are disadvantaged. This classification is one of several official categories for the population of India, alongside general castes and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs).

According to the Mandal Commission report, what percentage of India's population comprised Other Backward Classes (OBCs)?

The Mandal Commission report, published in 1980, estimated that Other Backward Classes (OBCs) constituted 52% of India's total population.

What percentage did the National Sample Survey Organisation determine the OBC population to be in 2006?

In 2006, the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) determined that OBCs comprised 41% of India's population.

How are OBCs referred to in the Indian Constitution, and what obligation does the government have towards them?

In the Indian Constitution, OBCs are described as socially and educationally backward classes (SEBC). The Government of India is enjoined by the Constitution to ensure their social and educational development, which includes providing reservations.

What was the percentage of OBCs in central government services as of January 2016, and what trend was observed?

As of January 2016, OBCs constituted 21.57% of central government services, and this percentage had shown an increasing trend since September 1993.

Which ministry in the Indian government is responsible for matters relating to OBCs?

Until 1985, the Ministry of Home Affairs handled matters concerning Backward Classes. Subsequently, a separate Ministry of Welfare was established, which was later renamed the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and this ministry now oversees policies and programs for OBCs.

What does Article 340 of the Indian Constitution state about the government's role concerning socially and educationally backward classes?

Article 340 of the Indian Constitution mandates that the President may appoint a commission to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes (SEBC) within India, identify their difficulties, and make recommendations for steps to improve their situation and provide necessary grants.

What was the impact of the Supreme Court's 1992 decision regarding OBC reservations?

The Supreme Court's 1992 decision resulted in a requirement for 27% of civil service positions to be reserved for members of OBCs.

What socio-economic disparity existed among OBC communities prior to reservation policies?

Even before the implementation of reservation policies, there was a significant disparity among OBC communities. While many were extremely backward, some owned substantial land and employed Scheduled Castes (SCs) as agricultural laborers.

How did the abolition of the Zamindari system and the Green Revolution affect certain OBC communities in North India?

The abolition of the Zamindari system elevated many members of communities like Yadavs, Kurmis, and Koeris to landlord status. The Green Revolution further increased their landholdings and economic prosperity, leading them to pursue education and secure government jobs, thereby improving their socio-economic profile.

What was the Kalelkar Commission, and what were its key recommendations?

The Kalelkar Commission, established in 1953 and chaired by Kaka Kalelkar, was the First Backward Classes Commission. It recommended a caste-wise enumeration of the population, treating social backwardness as linked to caste hierarchy, considering all women as backward, and reserving 70% of seats in technical institutions and vacancies in government services for backward classes. However, the government did not accept its report, primarily due to concerns about the criteria and potential swamping of needy groups.

What was the Mandal Commission's primary finding regarding the OBC population and its key recommendation for reservation?

The Mandal Commission, chaired by B. P. Mandal, estimated the OBC population at 52% and recommended an overall reservation of 27% for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions, subject to the 50% total reservation ceiling.

What criteria did the Mandal Commission use to identify OBCs?

The Mandal Commission developed 11 indicators or criteria to identify OBCs, with four of these criteria being economic in nature.

What measures did the Mandal Commission suggest to promote literacy and education among OBCs?

The commission suggested implementing a time-bound adult education program in areas with high OBC concentration, establishing residential schools with free boarding and lodging for backward-class students, providing separate hostels, and offering vocational training. It also recommended reserving seats for OBC students in educational institutions.

What is the 'creamy layer' concept in the context of OBC reservations?

The 'creamy layer' refers to the socially and economically advanced members within a backward class who are excluded from reservation benefits. This concept was first articulated by Justice Krishna Iyer and later upheld by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney judgment to ensure that reservation benefits reach the truly disadvantaged sections.

What was the significance of the Indra Sawhney & Others v. Union of India judgment in 1992 regarding reservations?

The Indra Sawhney judgment upheld the 50% ceiling on reservations, emphasized the concept of 'social backwardness,' and introduced the 'creamy layer' principle for excluding the affluent sections within OBCs from reservation benefits. It also laid down 11 indicators for ascertaining backwardness.

How has the income threshold for the 'creamy layer' been revised over the years?

The 'creamy layer' criteria were initially set at ₹100,000 in 1993 and have been revised multiple times, increasing to ₹250,000 in 2004, ₹450,000 in 2008, ₹600,000 in 2013, and further to ₹800,000 in August 2017.

What was the Supreme Court's interim measure regarding OBC reservations in IITs and IIMs in March 2007?

In March 2007, the Supreme Court of India, as an interim measure, stayed the law providing 27% reservation for OBCs in institutions like IITs and IIMs, questioning the reliance on the 1931 census and stating that reservation should not perpetuate backwardness.

What was the Supreme Court's final verdict in April 2008 regarding the 27% OBC quota?

In April 2008, the Supreme Court upheld the government's initiative for 27% OBC quotas in government-funded institutions, reiterating that the 'creamy layer' must be excluded from these reservations.

What criteria did the Supreme Court suggest for identifying the 'creamy layer' for exclusion from reservations?

The Supreme Court suggested criteria such as excluding children of individuals with family incomes above a certain threshold (revised to ₹800,000 annually) and excluding children of professionals like doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, high-ranking government officials, and judges. Parliament was also requested to consider excluding children of MPs and MLAs.

What were some key conclusions from the Supreme Court's ruling in the Ashoka Kumar Thakur vs. Union of India case regarding reservations?

The court concluded that the Constitution (Ninety-Third Amendment) Act, 2006, was valid for state-maintained and aided institutions but left the validity for private unaided institutions open. It affirmed that the 'creamy layer' principle is applicable to OBCs but not SCs/STs, recommended periodic reviews of reservation policies, and suggested that technical graduation or professional courses might be considered educationally forward. The court also advised the government to consider cut-off marks for OBC candidates to balance reservation with merit.

When and why did the Supreme Court scrap Jat Reservations in the Central OBC list?

In March 2015, the Supreme Court scrapped Jat reservations in the Central OBC list, stating that Jats were not socially and economically backward according to the National Commission for Backward Classes' opinion. The court also noted that Jats were already given OBC status in nine states, questioning the need for central inclusion.

How do central and state lists of OBCs sometimes differ?

The central list of OBCs, maintained by the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), does not always reflect the state lists, which can vary significantly. A community listed as a nationally recognized OBC might only be recognized in specific states or even in limited areas within those states.

Which states have the highest number of OBC castes listed in the Central OBC list as of 2023?

As of 2023, Maharashtra has the highest number of OBC castes listed under the Central List, followed by Odisha, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

What is the total number of castes included in the Central OBC list across India?

As of 2023, the Central OBC list includes a total of 2,633 castes across India.

Which state government has granted OBC reservation benefits to various Christian communities, and which ones?

The Karnataka State Government has granted OBC reservation benefits to several Christian communities, including Brahmin Christian, Kuruba Christian, Madiga Christian, Akkasali Christian, Sudri Christian, Scheduled Caste converted to Christianity, Setty Balija Christian, Nekara Christian, Paravar Christian, and Lambani Christian.

Which politically important social groups are listed as OBC in various states and the national list?

Groups like Koli people are listed as OBC in national and state lists of Goa, Gujarat, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Rajputs are listed in the national and state OBC lists of Karnataka. Lodhi Rajputs are OBC in several northern states but considered Forward Caste elsewhere. Bishnoi/Vishnoi are on the OBC list in Rajasthan, and Goldsmiths/Sunar are listed in Rajasthan's central and state OBC lists. Khatris are on the national and state OBC lists of Tamil Nadu. The Aras (Urs) community of the Mysore Wodeyars is listed in Karnataka, Kathis in Gujarat's central list, Ezhava in Kerala's state list, Ahoms on the central list, and Jats are on state lists in several northern states, with specific Jats from Rajasthan eligible for central OBC reservations.

Which Brahmin and priestly communities are listed as OBC in India?

Several Brahmin and priestly communities are listed as OBC, including Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins in Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka; Bhargava Dakaut or Joshi Brahmins in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi; Kattaha Brahmins in Rajasthan; Saurashtra Brahmins in Tamil Nadu and Kerala; Goswami, Nath, Jogi, Yogi, and Giri Brahmins in various states; Dhiman and Jangid Brahmins in Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand; Bairagi in multiple northern states; and Gurav or Shaiva Brahmins in Maharashtra.

What was the significance of the 1968 Socio-Economic Survey of Kerala regarding caste inequalities?

The 1968 Socio-Economic Survey of Kerala, ordered by E. M. S. Namboodiripad, was the only caste-based count conducted in post-independence India until 2011. It found that higher castes generally possessed more land and had higher per capita incomes compared to the general population, with specific percentages of Brahmins, Syrian Christians, Jacobites, and Nairs owning more than 5 acres of land, contrasting with lower percentages for Ezhavas, Muslims, and Scheduled Castes.

What information did Telangana's Samagra Kutumba Survey 2014 reveal about the state's population demographics?

Telangana's Samagra Kutumba Survey in 2014 indicated that Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) constituted approximately 18.48% and 11.74% of the population, respectively. Backward Castes (BCs) made up 51% of the population, while other castes and religious minorities accounted for 16.03% and 10.65%, respectively. However, the findings were not publicly released due to legal challenges.

What is the current status of the Karnataka Caste Census 2015, and what controversy surrounds it?

As of 2023, the Karnataka Caste Census 2015 report remains unpublished, despite being ordered in 2014. Controversy surrounds the delay, with allegations of political pressure and concerns that the data might reveal lower populations for dominant communities like Lingayats and Vokkaligas, and a larger Dalit demographic, potentially altering the state's power dynamics. In June 2023, the state government decided to accept the report.

What issues have plagued the Uttarakhand OBC Survey, and what actions have been taken?

The Uttarakhand OBC Survey has faced significant delays and accuracy issues, including reliance on outdated data instead of new surveys. In response, the commission has cancelled flawed surveys in certain districts, ordered redos, and transferred responsible officers. Despite these measures, the survey's completion has been repeatedly extended, with the latest deadline set for June 2023.

What were the key findings of the 2022 Bihar caste-based survey regarding the population distribution?

The first report of the 2022 Bihar caste-based survey, released on October 2, 2023, revealed that Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) constitute 36.01% of the state's population. Combined with other Backward Classes (OBCs), they represent 63% of Bihar's total population. Following this, the Bihar Assembly passed bills to increase the reservation quota to 65%.

What is the purpose of the Odisha Backward Classes Survey 2023?

The Odisha Backward Classes Survey 2023, initiated on May 1, 2023, aims to evaluate the social and educational conditions of state-notified Backward Classes (SEBCs). It collects data on factors like occupation and educational qualifications to assess backwardness and is expected to conclude by June 29, 2023, with data publication following thereafter.

What legal principle was established by the Supreme Court regarding the 'creamy layer' in the Indra Sawhney judgment?

The Supreme Court, in the Indra Sawhney judgment of 1992, established the principle of 'creamy layer' exclusion, meaning that the most advanced members within a backward class should not benefit from reservation policies. This was intended to ensure that affirmative action benefits reach the truly disadvantaged sections of society.

What did the Supreme Court conclude about the application of the 'creamy layer' principle to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs)?

The Supreme Court concluded that the 'creamy layer' principle, which excludes the affluent sections of a group from reservation benefits, is primarily applicable to Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It is not applicable to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) because they are considered distinct classes in themselves, not subject to the same internal socio-economic stratification that necessitates the 'creamy layer' exclusion.

What was the Supreme Court's stance on the permanence of reservation policies?

The Supreme Court observed that reservation cannot be permanent and should not be used in a way that perpetuates backwardness. This suggests a need for periodic review and potential phasing out of reservation policies as societal conditions change and target groups achieve greater equality.

What is the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)?

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is responsible for maintaining the central list of OBCs and considering requests for inclusion or exclusion of communities from this list. It also advises the government on matters related to the social and educational advancement of OBCs.

What is the 'Namantar Andolan' mentioned in the context of caste-related movements?

The 'Namantar Andolan' (Name-Changing Movement) was a significant social movement in India, particularly associated with challenging caste-based discrimination and advocating for the renaming of institutions or places to reflect a more inclusive and equitable history, often linked to the legacy of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

What is the significance of the 'Communal Award' and the 'Poona Pact' in the history of caste and reservation in India?

The Communal Award, announced by the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald in 1932, proposed separate electorates for depressed classes (Dalits). Mahatma Gandhi opposed this, leading to the Poona Pact, which was signed by B.R. Ambedkar and Gandhi. The Poona Pact retained a joint electorate but reserved seats for the depressed classes within the general electorate, marking a crucial moment in the negotiation of rights for marginalized communities.

What is the 'creamy layer' income bar, and how has it been adjusted over time?

The 'creamy layer' income bar is a financial threshold used to identify and exclude affluent individuals within Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from receiving reservation benefits. This threshold was initially set at ₹100,000 in 1993 and has been progressively increased to ₹800,000 annually by August 2017, reflecting adjustments for inflation and economic changes.

What was the purpose of the Rohini Commission's report submitted in July 2023?

The Rohini Commission's report, submitted in July 2023 after numerous extensions, was tasked with examining the equitable distribution of reservation benefits among various castes within the Central OBC list. It aimed to propose mechanisms for sub-categorization and update the list of OBC castes, with the report being over 1,000 pages long and divided into two parts detailing allocation methods and an updated caste list.

What does the term 'Sanskritisation' refer to in the context of social mobility in India?

Sanskritisation is a process described by sociologist M.N. Srinivas, where lower-caste groups adopt the customs, rituals, and beliefs of higher castes, particularly Brahmins, to improve their social status and move up the caste hierarchy. In the context of OBC political ascendancy, it can refer to dominant OBC groups claiming higher ritual status or adopting practices associated with traditionally higher castes.

Other Backward Class Wiki: Navigating India's Social Fabric: The Other Backward Classes

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Understanding the Other Backward Class (OBC)

Collective Classification

The term Other Backward Class (OBC) is utilized by the Government of India to categorize communities identified as "educationally or socially backward." This classification is one of several official demographic strata, alongside General Castes and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs).¹²³

Population Estimates

The Mandal Commission report of 1980 estimated OBCs to constitute 52% of India's population. More recent data from the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) in 2006 placed this figure at 41%. However, there is considerable debate regarding the precise numbers, with many believing the actual proportion to be higher than official estimates.¹²⁴

Constitutional Mandate

Within the Indian Constitution, OBCs are referred to as Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC). Article 340 mandates the government to promote their social and educational development. Consequently, OBCs are entitled to specific provisions, including 27% reservation in public sector employment and higher education.⁵ The list of recognized OBC communities is dynamic, subject to review and modification based on socio-economic and educational criteria.⁷

Foundational Commissions

Kalelkar Commission (1953)

Established in 1953 and submitting its report in 1955, the First Backward Classes Commission, chaired by Kaka Kalelkar, identified 2,399 backward castes, with 837 designated as "most backward." Key recommendations included caste-wise population enumeration, linking social backwardness to caste hierarchy, treating all women as a backward class, and reserving 70% of seats in technical and professional institutions, alongside government service reservations. However, the government did not accept the report's findings.¹⁴

Mandal Commission (1979)

The Second Backward Classes Commission, popularly known as the Mandal Commission, was constituted in 1979 under the chairmanship of B. P. Mandal. Its 1980 report estimated the OBC population at approximately 52% and recommended a 27% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, adhering to the Supreme Court's 50% total reservation ceiling.¹⁵¹⁶ The implementation of these recommendations in the 1990s spurred significant socio-political discourse and movements.

Governance and Reservation Framework

Constitutional Obligations

Article 340 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to appoint a commission to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes (SEBC) and recommend measures for their welfare. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment oversees policies and programs for OBCs, supported by institutions like the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation and the National Commission for Backward Classes.⁷

Reservation Policy

A landmark 1992 Supreme Court judgment mandated 27% reservation for OBCs in central government services and higher education. As of January 2016, OBC representation in central government services stood at 21.57%.⁵ However, challenges related to fund utilization and adherence to recruitment policies have been noted.⁶

Demographic Data and Estimates

NSSO and Mandal Estimates

The Mandal Commission's estimate placed the OBC population at 52%, while the NSSO's 2006 survey indicated 41%. Significant debate persists regarding the accuracy and completeness of these figures, often influenced by political factors and the complexities of caste enumeration.²²²

State-wise Distribution

Demographic data reveals considerable variation in OBC population percentages across Indian states and Union Territories. The following table presents estimates based on the 2011 Census and NSSO data, alongside the number of communities listed in the Central OBC list.

NSSO Estimated State-wise Other Backward Classes Demography²³
State and Union Territories	2011 Census Population	Approximate OBC Population	OBC Percentage	No. of Central OBC Communities (as of Aug 2018)
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	380,581	69,000	18.1%	5
Andhra Pradesh (incl. Telangana)	84,580,777	42,629,000	50.4%	190
Arunachal Pradesh	1,383,727	39,000	2.8%	0
Assam	31,205,576	7,895,000	25.3%	28
Bihar	104,099,452	65,166,000	62.6%	132
Chandigarh	1,055,450	234,000	22.2%	60
Chhattisgarh	25,545,198	11,623,000	45.5%	67
Dadra and Nagar Haveli	343,709	15,000	4.4%	10
Daman and Diu	243,247	92,000	37.8%	44
Goa	1,458,545	261,000	17.9%	17
Gujarat	60,439,692	24,297,000	40.2%	105
Haryana	25,351,462	7,174,000	28.3%	73
Himachal Pradesh	6,864,602	1,174,000	17.1%	52
Jammu and Kashmir	12,541,302	1,430,000	11.4%	23
Jharkhand	32,988,134	15,438,000	46.8%	134
Karnataka	61,095,297	33,908,000	55.5%	199
Kerala	33,406,061	21,814,000	65.3%	83
Lakshadweep	64,473	450	0.7%	0
Madhya Pradesh	72,626,809	30,140,000	41.5%	68
Maharashtra	112,374,333	37,983,000	33.8%	256
Manipur	2,855,794	1,505,000	52.7%	4
Meghalaya	2,966,889	36,000	1.2%	0
Mizoram	1,097,206	18,000	1.6%	0
Nagaland	1,978,502	4,000	0.2%	0
NCT of Delhi	16,787,941	3,274,000	19.5%	56
Odisha	41,974,218	13,935,000	33.2%	197
Puducherry	1,247,953	962,000	77.1%	58
Punjab	27,743,338	4,467,000	16.1%	65
Rajasthan	68,548,437	32,423,000	47.3%	69
Sikkim	610,577	309,000	50.6%	8
Tamil Nadu	72,147,030	54,904,000	76.1%	182
Tripura	3,673,917	603,000	16.4%	42
Uttar Pradesh	199,812,341	108,898,000	54.5%	76
Uttarakhand	10,086,292	1,846,000	18.3%	78
West Bengal	91,276,115	7,941,000	8.7%	98
India	1,210,854,977	532,776,000	44%	2,479

Legal Framework and Disputes

The Creamy Layer Concept

The concept of the "creamy layer" was introduced to exclude the affluent members of OBC communities from reservation benefits, ensuring that advantages reach the most disadvantaged. This principle, first articulated by Justice Krishna Iyer in 1975, was formally established by the Supreme Court in the 1992 Indra Sawhney & Others v. Union of India judgment.³⁷³⁸ The income threshold for exclusion has been revised periodically, increasing from ₹100,000 in 1993 to ₹800,000 annually by 2017.⁴²⁴⁶

Judicial Scrutiny

The Supreme Court has played a pivotal role in shaping OBC reservation policy. In 2007, it issued an interim stay on the 27% reservation in central educational institutions, later upholding the policy in 2008 while reiterating the creamy layer exclusion.⁴⁷ Notably, in 2015, the Court struck down Jat reservations for Central OBCs, emphasizing that classification must be based on social and educational backwardness, not merely political influence.⁴⁹⁵³

OBC Sub-categorization

The Rohini Commission

In October 2017, a five-member commission headed by former Delhi High Court Chief Justice G. Rohini was constituted under Article 340 to examine the equitable distribution of reservation benefits among OBC communities. The commission's mandate included developing criteria for sub-categorization and updating the Central OBC list.²⁴²⁵²⁶

Report and Findings

After multiple extensions, the Rohini Commission submitted its extensive report in July 2023. Preliminary findings indicated that a small percentage of dominant castes, such as Yadavs, Kurmis, and Jats, disproportionately benefited from the existing 27% reservation.³²³³ Sub-categorization has already been implemented at the state level in several Indian states.³¹

Central and State Lists

Central OBC List

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) maintains the central list of OBCs, which may differ from state-specific lists. A community's inclusion in the central list can be specific to certain states or regions within states.⁵⁵⁵⁶ As of recent data, Maharashtra has the highest number of castes listed, followed by Odisha, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.⁵⁷

Notable Community Classifications

The OBC category encompasses diverse social groups, including various religious communities and politically influential castes. For instance, Christian communities in states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra have received OBC status. Prominent castes listed as OBC nationally or in specific states include Koli, Rajput, Lodhi, Bishnoi, Goldsmiths, Khatris, Aras (Urs), Kathis, Ezhava, Ahoms, Jats, and Ahirs/Yadavs.⁵⁸⁵⁹⁶⁰⁶¹⁸³⁸⁴⁸⁷ Brahmins and priestly communities like Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins, Bhargava Dakaut/Joshi Brahmins, and others are also included in some state OBC lists.⁸⁹

Caste Surveys in Indian States

Historical and Ongoing Surveys

Several states have conducted or are conducting caste surveys to gather data on socio-economic conditions and population distribution. Notable examples include the Kerala Socio-Economic Survey (1968), the Telangana Samagra Kutumba Survey (2014), the Bihar caste-based survey (2022), and ongoing efforts in Uttarakhand and Odisha.¹⁰⁶¹¹⁵¹²⁴ These surveys aim to inform policy and reservation implementation, though they often face delays and controversies regarding data publication and accuracy.¹¹¹¹¹⁴

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Other Backward Class" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about other_backward_class while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

johan brunstr öm

central region portugal

1984 arkansas gubernatorial election

References

What is India's population of other backward classes?,Yahoo News.

https://sec.rajasthan.gov.in/cm/upload/List%20of%20OBC.pdf%7Ctitle=OBC list of Rajathan-PDF

A full list of references for this article are available at the Other Backward Class Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document has been generated by an AI and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive, entirely accurate, or fully up-to-date.

This is not professional policy or legal advice. The information provided herein should not substitute consultation with qualified policy analysts, legal experts, or government officials. Always refer to official government sources and consult with professionals for specific guidance related to social policy, legal matters, or demographic data interpretation.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Navigating India's Social Fabric

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Understanding the Other Backward Class (OBC) ℹ️

🏛️ Collective Classification

📊 Population Estimates

📜 Constitutional Mandate

Foundational Commissions 📜

📅 Kalelkar Commission (1953)

📅 Mandal Commission (1979)

Governance and Reservation Framework ⚖️

🏛️ Constitutional Obligations

⚖️ Reservation Policy

Demographic Data and Estimates 📊

📈 NSSO and Mandal Estimates

🌍 State-wise Distribution

Legal Framework and Disputes ⚖️

💡 The Creamy Layer Concept

🏛️ Judicial Scrutiny

OBC Sub-categorization 🧩

👥 The Rohini Commission

📑 Report and Findings

Central and State Lists 📋

📑 Central OBC List

👥 Notable Community Classifications

Caste Surveys in Indian States 📅

📊 Historical and Ongoing Surveys

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Understanding the Other Backward Class (OBC)

Collective Classification

Population Estimates

Constitutional Mandate

Foundational Commissions

Kalelkar Commission (1953)

Mandal Commission (1979)

Governance and Reservation Framework

Constitutional Obligations

Reservation Policy

Demographic Data and Estimates

NSSO and Mandal Estimates

State-wise Distribution

Legal Framework and Disputes

The Creamy Layer Concept

Judicial Scrutiny

OBC Sub-categorization

The Rohini Commission

Report and Findings

Central and State Lists

Central OBC List

Notable Community Classifications

Caste Surveys in Indian States

Historical and Ongoing Surveys

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice