Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion — Sociology STD 12 Humanities — Question
CBSE BoardEnglish MediumSTD 12 HumanitiesSociologyPatterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion4 Marks
Question
"OBCs are a much more diverse group than the Dalits" Discuss.
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Answer
Jawaharlal Nehru as Prime Minister appointed a commission to look into measures for the welfare of OBCs.
The first Backward Classes Commission headed by Kaka Kalekar submitted its report in 1953, but it was being sidelined. From the mid-fifties, OBCs became a regional affair pursued by the state rather than the centre.
In the early 20th century the southern states started political agitations. Because of these powerful social movements, policies to address the problems of OBCs were in place long before they were discussed in northern states.
The issue of OBCs, came to the forefront in the regime of the United Front government headed by Mr. V.P. Singh.
The 2nd Backward Classes Commission headed by B.P. Mandal was appointed this time. It was only in 1990, when the central government decided to implement the 10 year old Mandal Commission report, that the OBC became a major issue. Politicization of OBCs allows them to convert their large numbers into political influence.
The large disparity between upper OBCs (who are landed castes and enjoy dominance in rural society in many regions.
The lower OBCs (who are very poor and disadvantaged and are often not very different from Dalits in socio-economic status) make this a difficult political category to work with.
OBCs are severely under-represented in all spheres except landholding and political representation. The situation of upper OBCs is dominant in rural areas.
The urban OBC is much worse, being very close to that of SC and ST.
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