The clearance for adding around 80 castes from six states to the Central List of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) is being processed by the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) also revealed that 16 groups in Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir have been added to the Central OBC list.
About National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)
Established
Constitution Act, 2018 (also known as 102nd Amendment Act, 2018) under Article 338B of the Indian Constitution
Jurisdiction
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
Purpose
Active participation and advisory role in the socio-economic development of socially backward classes (OBCs) Evaluating the progress of their development
Statutory Backing
Outcome of the Indra Sawhney & Others v. Union of India case (16.11.1992)
Composition
Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three other members appointed by the President Conditions of service and tenure determined by the President
Functions and Powers
Inclusions and exclusions in the lists of backward communities for job reservations Providing advice to the Central Government Investigating and monitoring safeguards for backward classes Inquiring into specific complaints related to their rights and safeguards Participating in socio-economic development and evaluating progress
Reports and Recommendations
Annual reports to the President and recommendations for effective implementation of safeguards Recommendations for measures to protect, welfare, and socio-economic development of backward classes
Other Functions
Discharging functions specified by the President and subject to parliamentary laws
Constitutional Amendment
102nd Constitutional Amendment Act (2018) empowered NCBC to address grievances of Other Backward Classes
What are the Other Backward Classes?
Other Backward Class is a catch-all term for castes that are educationally or socially disadvantaged.
It is one of India’s official population classifications, along with General Class, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs).
The Mandal Commission study of 1980 showed that OBCs made up 55% of the country’s population, but they were reduced to 41% in 2006.
Communities likely to be added
Communities have been requested for inclusion on the Central OBC list by states such as Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.
Telangana: Around 40 ethnicities were suggested for inclusion.
Turup Kapu ethnic group in Andhra Pradesh
Majhra people of Himachal Pradesh
Lodhi, Lingayat, Bhoyar, Pawar, and Jhandse communities in Maharashtra
Yadav community in Punjab
Gosai/Gosain community in Haryana
Approval Procedure
NCBC Examination: The NCBC reviews the requests and processes them accordingly, with the goal of approving the majority of them.
Cabinet Approval: Once the Commission has made a decision, it can submit its recommendations to the Cabinet for approval.
President’s notification: The final step is legislation and President’s notification to enact the amendments.
Current OBC List Status and Recent Additions
Over 2,650 communities from all states and union territories are currently represented on the Central OBC list.
The Union government claims responsibility for recent additions and emphasises the 105th Constitutional Amendment, which safeguards state OBC communities against deprivation of benefits.
Currently, there are approximately 1,270 communities on the Scheduled Caste (SC) list and 748 communities on the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.
Current OBC List Status and Recent Additions
Over 2,650 communities from all states and union territories are currently represented on the Central OBC list.
The Union government claims responsibility for recent additions and emphasises the 105th Constitutional Amendment, which safeguards state OBC communities against deprivation of benefits.
Currently, there are approximately 1,270 communities on the Scheduled Caste (SC) list and 748 communities on the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.
Changes to the SC/ST Lists
Since the 2011 Census, four communities have been added as main entries to the SC list, 40 as sub-entries, and four have been dropped or relocated to other lists.
Similarly, five communities were added as major entries, 22 as sub-entries, 13 as substitute terms, and one was eliminated from the ST list.
The Effect of OBC List Additions
Increased representation: Including more castes on the Central OBC list offers more representation, access to reserved seats, and benefits for underserved populations.
Inclusion of additional groups acknowledges their backwardness and provides opportunity for social upliftment and empowerment.
Criticisms and challenges
Concerns about potential political agendas or mistakes in determining backwardness may pose problems and objections to the approach.
The parity issue: To overcome these difficulties and protect the integrity of the OBC list, it is critical to ensure transparency, impartiality, and inclusivity in decision-making.
Conclusion
By offering chances for historically marginalised communities, the reservation system and OBC list play an important role in achieving social equality.
The government’s dedication to developing a more inclusive society and rectifying historical injustices is shown in the constant examination and growth of the OBC list.
