Other Backward Classes (OBCs): Social Basis, Criteria of Identification, and Problems

The concept of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in India is deeply rooted in the country’s complex social structure, which has been shaped by centuries of caste-based stratification. OBCs represent a diverse group of communities that have historically faced social, educational, and economic disadvantages due to their position in the traditional caste hierarchy. The identification and upliftment of OBCs have been central to India’s social justice policies, particularly since independence. This article explores the social basis of OBCs, the criteria used for their identification, and the persistent problems they face, all within a sociological framework.

Social Basis of OBCs

The social basis of OBCs lies in the caste system, a hierarchical social order that has governed Indian society for millennia. The caste system divides society into four primary varnas: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (servants and laborers). Below these varnas are the Dalits (formerly known as “untouchables”), who have historically been subjected to severe social exclusion and discrimination.

OBCs primarily consist of communities that fall within the Shudra varna and other marginalized groups that do not fit neatly into the traditional varna system. These communities have traditionally been engaged in occupations such as farming, artisanal work, and other manual labor, which were considered low-status in the caste hierarchy. Despite their significant contributions to the economy and society, OBCs have been denied access to resources, education, and political power, leading to their social and economic backwardness.

The social backwardness of OBCs is not solely based on caste but is also influenced by factors such as poverty, illiteracy, and lack of access to basic amenities. These communities often reside in rural areas where infrastructure is poor, and opportunities for upward mobility are limited. The intersection of caste and class further exacerbates their marginalization, as economic deprivation reinforces social exclusion.

Criteria of Identification

The identification of OBCs has been a contentious and complex process, involving both sociological and administrative considerations. The primary criteria for identifying OBCs are based on social, educational, and economic indicators of backwardness. These criteria were formalized by the Mandal Commission, which was established in 1979 to assess the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes in India.

1. Social Backwardness: Social backwardness is determined by the position of a community in the traditional caste hierarchy. Communities that have historically faced discrimination and exclusion due to their caste status are considered socially backward. This includes groups that were subjected to practices such as untouchability, restrictions on access to public spaces, and denial of basic human rights.
2. Educational Backwardness: Educational backwardness is measured by literacy rates, school enrollment, and dropout rates among a community. OBCs often have lower literacy rates compared to forward castes, and their access to higher education is limited. The lack of educational opportunities perpetuates cycles of poverty and social exclusion.
3. Economic Backwardness: Economic backwardness is assessed based on income levels, land ownership, and access to employment opportunities. OBCs are often engaged in low-paying, informal sector jobs with little job security or social protection. Many OBC families rely on agriculture, which is increasingly becoming unviable due to land fragmentation, lack of irrigation facilities, and fluctuating market prices.
4. Other Indicators: In addition to the above criteria, other factors such as representation in government jobs, political participation, and access to healthcare are also considered. The Mandal Commission recommended that communities meeting these criteria should be included in the list of OBCs and provided with reservations in education and employment.

Despite these criteria, the identification process has been fraught with challenges. The diversity within OBCs, which includes hundreds of castes and sub-castes, makes it difficult to create a uniform framework for identification. Moreover, the inclusion or exclusion of certain communities from the OBC list has often been influenced by political considerations, leading to allegations of favoritism and manipulation.

Example of Some Other Backward Classes (OBCs)

It is important to note that the OBC category is vast and includes hundreds of castes and communities, each with its unique history and social context. The list below provides a snapshot of some prominent OBC communities:

1. Yadav

• Region: Primarily found in North India (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan).
• About: Traditionally associated with cattle rearing and dairy farming. Yadavs are one of the most politically influential OBC groups in India.

2. Kurmi

• Region: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal.
• About: Traditionally an agrarian community, Kurmis are known for their farming skills and have historically been landowning peasants.

3. Jat

• Region: North India (Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh).
• About: Primarily an agricultural community, Jats are known for their strong work ethic and political influence in states like Haryana and Punjab.

4. Gurjar (Gujjar)

• Region: North India (Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir).
• About: Traditionally involved in animal husbandry and agriculture. Gujjars have a significant presence in the Himalayan regions.

5. Lodh

• Region: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh.
• About: Traditionally farmers and landowners, Lodhs are an influential OBC community in central India.

6. Teli

• Region: Found across India, particularly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• About: Traditionally involved in oil extraction and trading. Telis are now engaged in various occupations, including business and agriculture.

7. Kushwaha (Koeri)

• Region: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand.
• About: Traditionally farmers and horticulturists, Kushwahas are known for their expertise in vegetable cultivation.

8. Kuruba

• Region: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh.
• About: Traditionally shepherds and livestock rearers, Kurubas are one of the oldest pastoral communities in South India.

9. Vanniyar

• Region: Tamil Nadu.
• About: Traditionally involved in agriculture and land cultivation. Vanniyars are one of the most politically influential OBC groups in Tamil Nadu.

10. Gowda (Vokkaliga)

• Region: Karnataka.
• About: Traditionally an agrarian community, Gowdas are known for their farming expertise and political influence in Karnataka.

11. Maratha

• Region: Maharashtra.
• About: Traditionally warriors and landowners, Marathas are a dominant OBC group in Maharashtra, with significant political and social influence.

12. Dhangar

• Region: Maharashtra, Karnataka.
• About: Traditionally shepherds and wool weavers, Dhangars are involved in animal husbandry and related trades.

13. Kamma

• Region: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.
• About: Traditionally farmers and landowners, Kammas are known for their entrepreneurial skills and influence in the agrarian economy.

14. Reddy

• Region: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.
• About: Traditionally landowners and farmers, Reddys are one of the most influential OBC communities in Telugu-speaking states.

15. Nai (Nhavi)

• Region: Found across India.
• About: Traditionally barbers, Nais also perform ceremonial roles in weddings and other rituals.

16. Kumhar

• Region: Found across India.
• About: Traditionally potters, Kumhars are skilled in making earthenware and pottery.

17. Lohar

• Region: Found across India.
• About: Traditionally blacksmiths, Lohars are involved in metalworking and tool-making.

18. Mali

• Region: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat.
• About: Traditionally gardeners and florists, Malis are known for their expertise in horticulture and flower cultivation.

19. Banjara (Lambadi)

• Region: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana.
• About: Traditionally nomadic traders and cattle herders, Banjaras are now settled in various regions and engaged in diverse occupations.

20. Dusadh

• Region: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh.
• About: Traditionally involved in farming and labor work, Dusadhs are a marginalized OBC community with a rich cultural heritage.

Key Observations

• The OBC category is incredibly diverse, encompassing communities with varying levels of social and economic backwardness.
• Many OBC communities have transitioned from their traditional occupations to modern professions, but they continue to face social and economic challenges.
• The political influence of OBC communities has grown significantly in recent decades, with many OBC leaders emerging as key figures in state and national politics.

The OBC category represents a broad spectrum of communities that have historically faced social and economic disadvantages due to their position in the caste hierarchy. While affirmative action policies have provided some opportunities for upliftment, many OBC communities continue to struggle with issues such as poverty, illiteracy, and social discrimination. Understanding the unique histories and challenges of these communities is essential for designing effective policies to promote their inclusion and development.

Problems Faced by OBCs

Despite the implementation of affirmative action policies, OBCs continue to face numerous challenges that hinder their social and economic progress. These problems are deeply entrenched in the structural inequalities of Indian society and require sustained efforts to address.

1. Caste Discrimination: Despite legal prohibitions, caste-based discrimination persists in various forms. OBCs often face social ostracism, particularly in rural areas, where traditional caste hierarchies remain strong. They are denied access to public spaces, subjected to derogatory treatment, and excluded from social and religious gatherings. This discrimination affects their self-esteem and limits their opportunities for social mobility.
2. Educational Disparities: While reservations in educational institutions have improved access to education for OBCs, significant disparities remain. Many OBC students attend poorly funded government schools with inadequate infrastructure and teaching staff. High dropout rates, particularly among girls, are a major concern. Additionally, the quality of education in rural areas is often subpar, limiting the ability of OBC students to compete with their peers from more privileged backgrounds.
3. Economic Inequality: Economic inequality is a persistent issue for OBCs, who are disproportionately represented among the poor. The lack of access to land, credit, and markets limits their ability to improve their economic conditions. Many OBC families are trapped in cycles of debt and poverty, with limited opportunities for upward mobility. The informal nature of their employment also means they lack job security, social protection, and access to benefits such as healthcare and pensions.
4. Political Underrepresentation: Although OBCs constitute a significant portion of India’s population, their representation in political institutions remains inadequate. While some OBC leaders have risen to prominence, the majority of political power continues to be concentrated in the hands of upper-caste elites. This lack of representation limits the ability of OBCs to influence policies that affect their lives and communities.
5. Internal Hierarchies: The OBC category itself is not homogeneous and includes a wide range of communities with varying degrees of backwardness. Within the OBCs, there are dominant and marginalized groups, with the former often monopolizing the benefits of reservations and other affirmative action policies. This internal hierarchy creates tensions and conflicts within the OBC community, undermining collective efforts for social justice.
6. Stigma and Identity Issues: The label of “backwardness” carries a stigma that affects the self-perception and identity of OBCs. Many OBC individuals internalize the negative stereotypes associated with their caste, leading to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. This stigma also affects their interactions with others, particularly in urban areas where caste identities are often concealed but still influence social dynamics.

Government Policies for Other Backward Classes (OBCs)

The Indian government has implemented various policies and programs to address the social, economic, and educational backwardness of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). These policies aim to promote social justice, reduce inequality, and ensure the inclusion of OBCs in the mainstream development process. Below is an overview of the key government policies and initiatives for OBCs:

1. Reservation Policies

• Mandal Commission Recommendations (1990):
  • The Mandal Commission recommended 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions.
  • This policy was implemented in 1990 and significantly increased OBC representation in public sector employment and higher education.
• Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006:
  • This act mandates 27% reservation for OBCs in central educational institutions, including prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, and central universities.
• Reservation in Local Bodies:
  • OBCs are provided reservations in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies to ensure their participation in grassroots governance.

2. Educational Initiatives

• Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships:
  • The government provides scholarships to OBC students to encourage school attendance and reduce dropout rates.
• National Overseas Scholarship for OBCs:
  • This scheme supports OBC students pursuing higher education abroad.
• Hostel Facilities for OBC Students:
  • The government provides hostel facilities to OBC students, particularly girls, to ensure access to education in rural and urban areas.
• Coaching Schemes:
  • Free or subsidized coaching is provided to OBC students for competitive exams, including civil services, engineering, and medical entrance exams.

3. Economic and Employment Support

• National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC):
  • The NBCFDC provides financial assistance to OBCs for self-employment, skill development, and entrepreneurship.
• Skill Development Programs:
  • Various skill development programs are implemented to enhance the employability of OBC youth.
• Reservation in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs):
  • OBCs are provided 27% reservation in jobs in public sector undertakings and nationalized banks.

4. Social Welfare Schemes

• Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students:
  • These scholarships aim to reduce the financial burden on OBC families and encourage education among OBC children.
• Assistance to Voluntary Organizations Working for OBCs:
  • The government provides grants to NGOs and voluntary organizations working for the welfare of OBCs.
• Awareness Programs:
  • The government conducts awareness programs to educate OBCs about their rights and available welfare schemes.

5. Legal and Institutional Mechanisms

• National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC):
  • The NCBC is a statutory body that examines complaints and welfare measures related to OBCs. It also advises the government on policies for OBCs.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Article 15(4) and Article 16(4) of the Indian Constitution enable the state to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, including OBCs.

6. State-Specific Initiatives

• Many states have implemented additional policies and programs for OBCs, such as:
  • Fee reimbursement schemes for higher education.
  • Subsidies for housing and agricultural activities.
  • Special economic packages for OBC entrepreneurs.

Challenges in Implementation

• Unequal Distribution of Benefits:
  • Dominant OBC groups often benefit more from reservation policies, leaving the most marginalized communities underserved.
• Lack of Awareness:
  • Many OBCs are unaware of the welfare schemes and policies available to them.
• Inadequate Data:
  • The absence of accurate and updated data on OBCs hampers the effective implementation of policies.
• Political Interference:
  • The inclusion or exclusion of certain communities from the OBC list is often influenced by political considerations.

Government policies for OBCs have played a crucial role in addressing their social, economic, and educational backwardness. However, there is a need for more targeted and inclusive policies to ensure that the benefits reach the most marginalized sections of the OBC community. Strengthening implementation mechanisms, raising awareness, and addressing internal hierarchies within the OBC category are essential for achieving the goal of social justice and inclusive development.

Conclusion

The Other Backward Classes (OBCs) represent a significant segment of Indian society that continues to grapple with the legacy of caste-based discrimination and social exclusion. While affirmative action policies have made some progress in addressing these issues, the challenges faced by OBCs are deeply rooted in the structural inequalities of Indian society. The criteria for identifying OBCs, though well-intentioned, have been difficult to implement uniformly due to the diversity and complexity of the communities involved.

To achieve true social justice, it is essential to address not only the economic and educational disparities faced by OBCs but also the social and cultural factors that perpetuate their marginalization. This requires a multi-pronged approach that includes strengthening affirmative action policies, improving access to quality education and healthcare, and promoting social awareness to combat caste-based discrimination. Additionally, efforts must be made to address the internal hierarchies within the OBC category to ensure that the benefits of social justice policies reach the most marginalized communities.

Ultimately, the upliftment of OBCs is not just a matter of social justice but also a prerequisite for the holistic development of Indian society. By addressing the challenges faced by OBCs, India can move closer to realizing its constitutional ideals of equality, justice, and fraternity.

Topic Related Questions

5-Mark Questions

1. Define the term “Other Backward Classes (OBCs)” and explain its significance in Indian society.
2. What are the main criteria used for identifying OBCs in India?
3. Briefly discuss the role of the Mandal Commission in the identification of OBCs.
4. List five OBC communities and their traditional occupations.
5. Explain the concept of “social backwardness” in the context of OBCs.

10-Mark Questions

1. Discuss the social basis of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in India, with reference to the caste system.
2. Analyze the criteria used for identifying OBCs in India. How effective are these criteria in addressing social and economic backwardness?
3. Examine the role of affirmative action policies in the upliftment of OBCs in India.
4. Discuss the challenges faced by OBCs in accessing education and employment opportunities in India.
5. Explain the internal hierarchies within the OBC category and their impact on social justice policies.

15-Mark Questions

1. Critically analyze the role of the Mandal Commission in shaping the discourse on OBCs in India. What were its key recommendations, and how have they been implemented?
2. Discuss the social, economic, and political problems faced by OBCs in India. How can these challenges be addressed through policy interventions?
3. Evaluate the impact of reservation policies on the upliftment of OBCs in India. Have these policies achieved their intended objectives?
4. Examine the intersection of caste and class in the context of OBCs. How do these factors contribute to their marginalization?
5. Discuss the role of OBCs in Indian politics. How has their political representation influenced social and economic policies in India?