The topic that has been dominating the central stage of Indian politics is the Mandal Commission and its subsequent influence on reservation policies. The discussions primarily focus on Articles 15 and 16, the Indira Sawney Case, OBC Reservation and Mandal Politics. Distinct aspects of the issue will be studied in detail allowing readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical subject.
About Mandal Politics and Mandal Commission
Mandal politics emerged as a significant political movement in the 1980s. The primary agenda was advocating for the inclusion of socially and economically disadvantaged communities, particularly the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), in government jobs and educational institutions.
Referring to the Mandal Commission, it was established in India in 1979 with an objective to “”identify the socially or educationally backward classes”” of India. B. P. Mandal headed the commission which submitted its report in 1980. The implementation took place in 1990. As per the commission’s report, 52% of India’s population was comprised of OBCs, leading the committee to recommend a similar percent reservation for OBCs in government services. However, due to the existing 22.5% reservation for SCs and STs, the figure for OBCs was adjusted to 27%, aligning with the Supreme Court ruling in M.R. Balaji vs State of Mysore case (1963) which set a cap at 50%.
Mandal Commission Recommendations
The Mandal Commission’s suggestions aimed at improving the representation of OBCs in various sectors. The recommendations included reserving 27% of public sector and government jobs for OBCs, along with offering the same percentage of reservations in promotions at all levels of public service. Moreover, OBCs were to be provided age relaxation similar to SCs and STs. The committee also called for reservations to be made in PSUs, banks, private sector undertakings receiving government grants, colleges, and universities.
Impact of Mandal Commission
The implementation of the Mandal Commission’s recommendations led widespread protests by students, culminating in self-immolation. The matter was subsequently taken up in the Indira Sawhney vs Union of India case at the Supreme Court. The court upheld the 27% reservation while introducing the concept of a creamy layer.
Merits and Demerits of Mandal Commission
The Mandal Commission resulted in an increased representation of SEBCs in government jobs and educational institutions. It also allowed many OBC students to gain access to higher education. However, the commission’s impact was limited only to specific communities. Additionally, the policy often became a tool for vote bank politics with politicians using it for their advantage. One such case was seen recently when a politician campaigned for lifting the 50% limit on SC/ST/OBC reservation in Karnataka. Furthermore, the policy had a negative impact on merit as several deserving candidates were left out.
Future Directions
To ensure the reservation policy remains effective, a periodic review is necessary as directed by the Supreme Court in the Indira Sawney vs Union of India case (1992). Improving early-level education should also be a priority, reducing the dependency on reservations at higher levels. Lastly, the creation of more job opportunities in the private sector reduces dependence on public sector employment.
