Definition of Other Backward Classes in Indian Constitution 2023

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Other Backward Classes meaning in India

Definition of Other Backward Classes in Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution does not define the term "Other Backward Classes" (OBCs). However, the Supreme Court of India has interpreted the term to mean socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs).

The Constitution of India mentions the term "backward class" in Articles 15(4), 16(4), and 340(1). Articles 15(4) and 16(4) empower the State to make special provisions or facilities for the welfare of socially and educationally backward classes.

This means that the government can take steps to improve the conditions of these groups, such as providing them with reservations in educational institutions and employment, scholarships, and financial assistance.

Article 15(4) of the Indian Constitution: Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.

Article 15(4) of the Indian Constitution states:

Article 16(4) of the Indian Constitution: Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any provision for the reservation of appointments or posts in favor of any backward class of citizens which, in the opinion of the State, is not adequately represented in the services under the State.

Article 16(4) of the Indian Constitution

Article 340(1) of the Indian Constitution: The President may appoint a commission of experts to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes in India. The commission will identify the difficulties faced by these groups and recommend steps that the central and state governments can take to improve their condition and remove these difficulties. The commission will also recommend grants that the central and state governments can provide to support these groups, and the conditions under which these grants should be given. The President will issue an order appointing the commission and defining its procedures.

Article 340(1) of the Indian Constitution

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is a statutory body under the Government of India that is responsible for investigating complaints and welfare measures concerning socially and educationally disadvantaged persons. The NCBC has defined OBCs as those castes and communities which are socially and educationally backward, but are not included in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The NCBC has also laid down certain criteria for identifying OBCs, which include:

• Social backwardness: This includes factors such as caste hierarchy, lack of access to education and employment opportunities, and social exclusion.
• Educational backwardness: This includes factors such as low literacy rates, high dropout rates, and underrepresentation in higher education.
• Economic backwardness: This includes factors such as low-income levels, high unemployment rates, and lack of access to land and other resources.
• The NCBC has also identified a list of OBC castes and communities, which is used by the Government of India to provide various benefits and reservations to OBCs.

It is important to note that the definition of OBCs is dynamic and can change over time. The NCBC has the power to add or remove castes and communities from the OBC list, based on a review of their social, educational, and economic conditions.

The following are some examples of OBC castes and communities:

• Yadavs
• Kurmis
• Jats
• Gujjars
• Marathas
• Lingayats
• Vokkaligas
• Kammas
• Kapus
• Nadars
• Ezhavas

OBCs constitute a significant proportion of the Indian population, estimated to be around 52%. They are a diverse group, with a wide range of social, educational, and economic conditions.

The Government of India provides a number of benefits and reservations to OBCs, including:

• 27% reservation in public sector employment
• 27% reservation in central educational institutions
• Scholarship schemes
• Financial assistance for housing and other basic needs

These benefits and reservations are designed to help OBCs overcome their social, educational, and economic disadvantages and achieve equality with other sections of society.

Also Read Related Articles

1. Definition of Scheduled Tribes in Indian Constitution
2. Definition of Scheduled Castes in Indian Constitution
3. Adivasi Meaning

Conclusion

Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are a diverse group of castes and communities in India that are socially and educationally backward. The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is responsible for identifying and recommending OBCs for various benefits and reservations. OBCs constitute a significant proportion of the Indian population, and the Government of India provides them with a number of benefits and reservations, including 27% reservation in public sector employment and central educational institutions.

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Reference: -

1. Supreme Court of India, Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (1992): [1]
2. National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC): [2]
3. National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993: [3]
4. Census of India, 2011: [4]
5. Government of India, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: [5]
6. Article Articles 15(4), 16(4), and 340(1) in The Constitution of India [6]