Question

Write a short note on ‘Mandal Commission’.

Hint:

The Mandal Commission highlighted caste-based backwardness and introduced 27\% OBC reservation, transforming Indian politics and society.

Answer 1

The Mandal Commission, officially known as the Second Backward Classes Commission, was set up in 1979 by the Janata Party government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai. It was headed by Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal, hence popularly called the Mandal Commission. Its primary task was to identify the socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs) in India and recommend measures for their advancement.
1. Background:
- After independence, the Indian Constitution provided for affirmative action in favor of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- However, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) also faced historical social and educational disadvantages but were not adequately represented.
- To address this gap, the Mandal Commission was formed in 1979.
2. Objectives of the Mandal Commission:
- To determine the criteria for identifying OBCs.
- To assess the representation of OBCs in government jobs and education.
- To suggest steps to improve their status in society.
3. Recommendations:
- 27\% reservation for OBCs in government services and educational institutions.
- Reservation in promotions for OBCs in government jobs.
- Introduction of economic and educational programs to uplift backward classes.
- Measures to protect OBCs from caste-based discrimination.
4. Implementation and Impact:
- The recommendations were implemented in 1990 by Prime Minister V.P. Singh.
- This decision led to widespread protests, especially among students, some of which turned violent.
- At the same time, it gave political and social recognition to OBCs, who became a strong political force in Indian democracy.
- The Mandal Commission thus changed the course of Indian politics by expanding affirmative action and making caste a central factor in electoral politics.
5. Criticism:
- Critics argued that the Commission’s criteria were not purely based on economic backwardness but mostly on caste.
- Concerns were raised about the “creamy layer” within OBCs benefiting more than the truly poor sections.
Conclusion:
The Mandal Commission was a turning point in India’s social justice system. By recommending 27\% reservation for OBCs, it reshaped the political, social, and educational landscape of India. Though controversial, it remains one of the most significant steps in addressing caste-based inequalities.