THE MANDAL COMMISSION
The Mandal Commission, officially known as the Second Backward Classes Commission, was
constituted in India in 1979 by the Janata Party government under Prime Minister Morarji
Desai. The commission was chaired by B.P. Mandal, a former Member of Parliament, and its
primary mandate was to identify the socially and educationally backward classes (OBCs) in
India and recommend measures for their advancement.
Background and Purpose:
The Mandal Commission was set up against the backdrop of demands for social justice and
equitable representation among disadvantaged groups in Indian society. Its formation was a
response to persistent inequalities faced by OBCs, who historically lacked access to
education, employment opportunities, and political representation.
Recommendations:
After extensive research and analysis, the Mandal Commission submitted its report in
December 1980. The key recommendations of the commission included:
1. Identification of OBCs: The commission identified 3,743 castes and communities as
OBCs, constituting approximately 52% of India's population at that time.
2. Reservation Policy: It recommended 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs
and educational institutions funded by the central government. This reservation was
to be implemented in addition to existing reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs)
and Scheduled Tribes (STs), totaling 49.5%.
3. Implementation Timeline: The commission proposed a phased implementation of
reservations over a span of five years, with a provision for regular review and
revision of the OBC list every ten years.
Impact and Controversies:
The recommendations of the Mandal Commission sparked intense debates and
controversies across the country:
Political Backlash: The proposal for OBC reservations triggered protests and
opposition from various quarters, particularly from upper-caste groups who feared
losing out on opportunities.
Mandal Agitation: The announcement of the implementation of Mandal Commission
recommendations in 1990 led to widespread protests and demonstrations, especially
in urban areas. This period, known as the Mandal Agitation, highlighted deep-seated
caste divisions and tensions in Indian society.
Legal Challenges: The Mandal Commission's recommendations faced legal
challenges in the Supreme Court of India, which upheld the constitutionality of
reservations for OBCs while recommending certain modifications.
Legacy:
Despite the initial backlash, the implementation of the Mandal Commission's
recommendations marked a significant milestone in Indian politics:
Social Justice: It contributed to greater social inclusion and representation for OBCs
in government jobs, educational institutions, and public life.
Political Realignment: The Mandal Commission played a crucial role in reshaping
electoral alliances and strategies, with caste-based parties gaining prominence in
Indian politics.
Continued Relevance: The issue of reservations for OBCs remains a contentious
topic in Indian politics, influencing policy decisions and electoral outcomes.
In conclusion, the Mandal Commission remains a pivotal chapter in India's journey towards
social justice and affirmative action. Its recommendations and the subsequent debates
continue to shape the discourse on caste-based inequalities and representation in
contemporary Indian society.
