The commission, established to assess the sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBC), has asked for a third extension till November 2018 to submit a significant report on quotas. This five-member panel was formed in 2017 with the task of sub-categorising approximately 5000 castes in the central OBC list. The purpose of the endeavour is to ensure a more equitable distribution of opportunities in central government positions and educational institutions.
Setting up of the Commission
The Commission’s creation aligns with Article 340 of the Constitution. It has already requested and received extensions twice due to the large scale nature of its mission. The increasing dominance of specific OBC groups receiving reservation benefits over the years has led to expectations that the sub-categorisation panel report will recommend sub-quotas for the extremely backward classes within the OBCs.
Previous Recommendations and Current Practice
In 2015, the National Commission for Backward Classes had suggested the categorisation of OBCs into three separate groups – extremely backward classes, more backward classes and backward classes. Currently, eleven states have adopted this model of sub-categorisation for their state services. A similar approach is also followed by the central government for the central OBC list.
About Article 340
Article 340 of the Constitution defines the appointment of a Commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes. According to section 1 of Article 340, the President has the authority to appoint a Commission consisting of individuals he deems fit. This Commission’s primary function is to investigate the social and educational conditions of backward classes within India and identify the challenges they face.
It further mandates the Commission to make recommendations on how to eradicate these difficulties and improve their conditions. The Commission is also responsible for suggesting grants from the Union or any State to aid in this cause and defining the conditions of these grants. The order appointing such a Commission will clearly specify the procedure the Commission should follow.
According to section 2, the appointed Commission is expected to investigate these matters and present a factual report to the President. This report must outline recommendations they deem ideal. Section 3 mandates that the President must present a copy of this report to each House of Parliament, along with a memorandum explaining the action taken based on it.
The extended deadline for the submission of their report by the current commission is seen as an indicator of the complex, yet vital, nature of this task. It could lead to a more equitable distribution of opportunities among varying backward classes, contributing to a socially just society.
