Mandal Commission

OBC Reservation

The OBC Reservation booklet was created to commemorate the 30th anniversary of this historic decision. The booklet begins with a brief description of the implementation of the recommendations of Mandal Commission and ends with pictures of those who benefited from its implementation.

Historical Background of OBC Reservation

Establishing First Backward Class Commission: The historical context of the OBC Reservation is based on several historical events that shaped the Indian society and its policies. The reservation policy in India has undergone many changes from time to time. In January 1953, the JL Nehru government had set up the First Backward Class Commission under the chairmanship of social reformer Kaka Kalelkar.

Establishing Second Backward Class Commission: The Second Backward Class Commission was set up on January 1, 1979 by the Morarji Desai government. The commission was headed by Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal, a former chief minister of Bihar. The commission submitted its report in 1980.

Implementation of Mandal Commission: The OBC reservation system in place today was established in December 1990. This was announced by the then prime minister, V P Singh, as part of his commitment to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission.

Indira Sawhney Case: The Indian government provides reservation in jobs and education for members of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Following the severe opposition, the issue of OBC reservation reached the Supreme Court in 1992. This case is known as ‘Indira Sawhney Judgment’ or Mandal Case because it was considered by a bench headed by Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah who passed the judgment with other members of the bench.

Aftermath of Mandal Commission

Opposition to Mandal Commission: The Mandal commission's report was being debated across the country. It faced mainly opposition on two grounds, that reservation would compromise the merit and can the reservation be given on economic lines.

Defeating the Intended Goal of Reservation Policy: Since India is one of the most diverse countries in the world, reservation has been a sensitive issue that has led to violence and even riots. The basis of reservation policy which is to have equal opportunities in education and employment for all, has been defeated. This book intends to uncover the aftermath of Mandal Commission Report.

Unequal Benefits and Creation of Political Divide: The Mandal Commission recommended reservation for backward classes in central educational institutions and recruitment to the civil services. However, it also recommended that less privileges should be given to these groups than to castes and communities which were already established as backward classes.

Cause of Social Disharmony: The reasons for the occurrence of social disharmony in India have been analyzed to be mainly the policy of reservation and the concept of privileges based on birth. The resulting widespread resentment and tension has caused much resentment amongst those communities which did not have a share in the reservations, and has resulted in widespread violence in many parts of the country.