sub-categorization of OBC
The subcategorization of OBC (Other Backward Classes) refers to the process of dividing the OBC category into smaller groups or subcategories based on their relative socio-economic status. The purpose of this subcategorization is to ensure more equitable distribution of the benefits of affirmative action, particularly in the form of reservations in education, employment, and other areas.
Context and Background
- OBC Reservation: The OBC category was recognized for reservation in public sector jobs and educational institutions following the recommendations of the Mandal Commission in 1980. The Commission estimated that OBCs constituted about 52% of the population, and it recommended a 27% reservation for them in government jobs and higher education.
- Disparities within OBCs: Over time, it was observed that certain dominant OBC groups were cornering most of the benefits of reservations, while the more marginalized and backward subgroups within OBCs were not able to access these benefits effectively. This led to calls for the subcategorization of OBCs to ensure that the most deprived sections among them could also benefit from affirmative action policies.
Subcategorization of OBCs
1. The Rohini Commission:
- The Union Government set up the Rohini Commission in October 2017 under the chairmanship of Justice G. Rohini. The Commission’s mandate was to examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits among OBCs and to work out a mechanism, criteria, and parameters for the subcategorization of OBCs.
- The Commission was tasked with creating subcategories within the central list of OBCs to ensure a more equitable distribution of reservation benefits.
2. Rationale:
- The key idea behind subcategorization is to divide OBCs into subgroups based on their socio-economic status. The goal is to prevent the more affluent and dominant OBC groups from monopolizing the reservation benefits, allowing smaller and more deprived groups to also gain access to educational and employment opportunities.
3. Criteria for Subcategorization:
- The exact criteria for subcategorization may vary but generally include parameters like socio-economic status, educational attainment, and representation in public employment.
- The Rohini Commission was expected to analyze data and suggest ways to categorize OBCs into subgroups such as “Extremely Backward Classes,” “More Backward Classes,” and “Backward Classes.”
4. Implementation:
- Once subcategorization is finalized, the reservation quota for OBCs could be further divided among the subcategories. For instance, within the 27% reservation for OBCs, a certain percentage could be allocated to each subcategory based on their population size and socio-economic status.
- Different states in India have already implemented their own versions of subcategorization of OBCs to address regional disparities.
5. Challenges:
- Political Sensitivity: The process of subcategorization can be politically sensitive, as it may involve reducing the share of reservation benefits for some dominant OBC groups, leading to potential backlash.
- Data and Implementation: Accurate data collection and the creation of appropriate criteria for subcategorization are challenging tasks. Ensuring that the benefits reach the most marginalized communities within OBCs requires careful planning and implementation.
6. Current Status:
- The Rohini Commission submitted its interim report in 2021, and the government has extended its tenure multiple times for a more comprehensive analysis. As of now, the final report and recommendations are awaited, and any subsequent implementation will depend on these recommendations.
Conclusion
The subcategorization of OBCs is a crucial step toward ensuring that the benefits of affirmative action reach the most disadvantaged sections of society. While it is a complex and politically charged issue, it holds the potential to make the reservation system more just and effective by addressing the internal disparities within the OBC category.
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