Question

Write a short essay on the 'Mandal Commission'.

Hint:

The Mandal Commission brought caste-based reservation into the mainstream of Indian politics and created a more inclusive approach to governance.

Answer 1

The Mandal Commission, officially known as the Second Backward Classes Commission, was established in 1979 by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The commission was chaired by Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal, and its primary task was to identify socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs) in India and recommend measures for their upliftment.
Key Objectives and Recommendations of the Mandal Commission:
1. Identify Backward Classes:
The commission aimed to identify groups of people that were socially and economically disadvantaged due to their caste, thereby deserving affirmative action.
2. Reservation in Jobs and Education:
The commission recommended 27\% reservation for OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs and educational institutions, in addition to the 22.5\% reservation already provided for SCs and STs.
3. Promotion of Economic and Social Welfare:
It suggested that the government should implement programs to improve the economic and educational conditions of the OBCs, including free education, healthcare, and infrastructure development in backward areas.
4. Protection from Discrimination:
The commission recommended legal measures to protect OBCs from caste-based discrimination and ensure their inclusion in mainstream society.
Implementation and Impact:
1. Implementation:
- The recommendations of the Mandal Commission were implemented in 1990 by Prime Minister V.P. Singh's government.
- The decision to implement the 27\% OBC reservation led to widespread protests and debates across the country.
- Many student groups and the urban elite were against the implementation, arguing that it would lead to further caste-based discrimination and reduce merit.
2. Political and Social Impact:
- The Mandal Commission decision reshaped Indian politics by bringing the OBCs to the forefront as a significant political force.
- It led to the rise of caste-based political parties and changed the dynamics of electoral politics in India.
- It led to increased polarization between different sections of society but also gave a voice to backward communities who had been neglected for decades.
Conclusion:
The Mandal Commission was a pivotal moment in the history of affirmative action in India. Its recommendations, though controversial, were crucial in addressing the caste-based inequalities that plagued Indian society. Over time, the implementation of its report has contributed significantly to the social empowerment of the OBCs and has influenced policies of reservation and social justice in India.