Subcategorisation of OBCs

Why in news?

Recently, the Minister for Backward Classes Welfare in Andhra Pradesh said that the state will begin a backward classes census.

Who are the Other Backward Classes (OBCs)?

• OBC- The expression ‘OBC’ was coined to denote backward/ marginalised communities and castes that were not Scheduled Castes (SCs) or Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• It is recognised that social backwardness in India has traditionally been a direct consequence of caste status, and that other types of backwardness have flowed from this initial handicap.
• Reservation- The affirmative action for OBCs is mandated by Article 15(4) of the Constitution-

 “Nothing in this article or in clause (2) of Article 29 [non-discrimination with regard to admission into state educational institutions on grounds of religion, caste, etc] shall prevent the State from making any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens”

• Article 16(4)- It allows the State to make provision for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class of citizens which is not adequately represented in the services under the State.
• Categorisation- OBCs have been generally identified on the basis of their occupation like cultivation of own land, tenant farming, agriculture labour etc.,
• Two broad categories within the OBCs emerge,
  • Those who own land – Eg: Yadavs and Kurmis in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
  •  Those who do not own land

What is sub-categorisation of OBCs?

Article 340 provides for the appointment of a Commission to investigate the conditions for the improvement of socially and educationally backward class

• It refers to creating subgroups of backward castes within the OBC category.
• Need for sub-categorisation - OBCs get 27% reservation in central government jobs and admission to educational institutions.
• There are more than 2,600 entries in the Central List of OBCs, but over the years, a perception has taken root that only a few affluent communities among them have benefited from the quota.
• Therefore, there is an argument that a “sub-categorisation” of OBCs is needed in order to ensure “equitable distribution” of the benefits of reservation.
• Sub-categorization of OBCs in States – It has been done in States such as Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, etc.
• Sub-categorization of OBCs in Central List – In 2017, Justice Rohini Panel was appointed to examine the sub-categorisation of OBCs.

What committees were formed regarding OBCs?

References

1. Indian Express- OBCs and Subcategories a hot button issue for long
2. Indian Express- Rohini panel submits report