Jharkhand has recently completed data collection initiative focused on the population of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the state. This effort aims to determine appropriate quotas for OBC representation in urban local bodies. This initiative adheres to the “triple test” framework established by the Supreme Court to ensure fair and constitutional quotas for OBCs.
About the Triple Test
The “triple test” consists of three essential steps. First, it mandates the establishment of a dedicated commission to investigate the backwardness of communities within local bodies. Second, it requires the specification of reservation proportions based on the commission’s recommendations. Lastly, it ensures that the combined reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and OBCs does not exceed 50% of total seats. This framework was articulated in the Vikas Kishanrao Gawali vs State of Maharashtra case in March 2021.
Initiatives in Jharkhand
In June 2023, Jharkhand established an OBC Commission to oversee the data collection process. The commission’s members visited Madhya Pradesh to learn about the implementation of the “triple test” there. Data collection began in December, with an initial deadline set for March. Despite delays in some districts, the complete data set was submitted to the commission recently.
Survey Details
The data collection involved a door-to-door survey aimed at identifying OBC voters and estimating their population share in urban local bodies. Unlike the recent nationwide caste census, this survey focused exclusively on urban areas within Jharkhand. The survey also gathered information on the political representation of OBCs across various government tiers, including mayors and panchayat committee members.
OBC Classification in Jharkhand
In Jharkhand, OBCs are categorised into two sub-groups – BC-I (Backward Class I) and BC-II (Backward Class II). BC-I generally comprises more socially and educationally backward communities, while BC-II includes relatively better-off groups. Both categories qualify for reservations, but BC-I typically receives a larger allocation. Currently, there are 127 castes classified under BC-I and around 45 under BC-II, with OBCs representing nearly 50% of the state’s population.
Future Steps
The final report derived from the data will be submitted to the state government. This report will inform the establishment of OBC quotas in local bodies. However, the process is currently hindered by the vacancy in the commission chairperson’s position, which is crucial for the report’s approval.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the significance of the “triple test” in ensuring fair representation for OBCs in local governance.
- Discuss the socio-economic implications of OBC reservations in local bodies in India.
- What challenges do states face in implementing caste-based reservations? Critically discuss with examples.
- Analyse the role of data collection in shaping policy decisions regarding OBC quotas in urban local bodies.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the significance of the “triple test” in ensuring fair representation for OBCs in local governance.
- Establishes a dedicated commission for empirical research on backwardness, ensuring data-driven decisions.
- Specifies reservation proportions based on commission recommendations, preventing arbitrary allocation.
- Limits total reservation to 50%, promoting inclusivity while maintaining balance in representation.
- Ensures constitutional compliance, reducing legal challenges against OBC quotas.
- Enhances accountability and transparency in the quota determination process.
2. Discuss the socio-economic implications of OBC reservations in local bodies in India.
- Promotes political representation for historically marginalized communities, enhancing their voice in governance.
- Facilitates access to resources and opportunities, contributing to socio-economic upliftment of OBCs.
- May lead to increased competition for local resources, impacting socio-economic dynamics in communities.
- Encourages social mobility and educational advancement among OBC populations.
- Can create tensions among different caste groups, necessitating careful management of social relations.
3. What challenges do states face in implementing caste-based reservations? Critically discuss with examples.
- Data collection issues, as seen in Jharkhand where several districts missed deadlines.
- Political resistance from dominant caste groups, leading to conflicts and protests.
- Legal challenges and scrutiny regarding the constitutionality of reservations, as evidenced in various Supreme Court cases.
- Inadequate infrastructure and administrative capacity to effectively implement and monitor reservation policies.
- Potential for misuse or misrepresentation of caste identities, complicating the reservation framework.
4. Analyse the role of data collection in shaping policy decisions regarding OBC quotas in urban local bodies.
- Provides empirical evidence to assess the population and needs of OBCs, informing quota allocation.
- Facilitates understanding of socio-economic conditions, guiding targeted interventions and policies.
- Enables evaluation of political representation, ensuring fair opportunities across governance levels.
- Supports transparency and accountability in the reservation process, building public trust.
- Helps identify gaps in representation and resource allocation, allowing for informed policy adjustments.
