Mandal Commission: Overview
The Mandal Commission, officially known as the Second Backward Classes Commission, was established in 1979 by the Government of India. It aimed to assess the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes and recommend measures for their upliftment.
Objectives of the Mandal Commission
- Identification of Backward Classes:
The commission was tasked with identifying socially and educationally backward classes across various states in India.
- Reservation Policy:
It recommended a reservation of 27% in government jobs and educational institutions for these identified backward classes, in addition to the existing 22.5% for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
- Social Justice:
The primary aim was to promote social justice and provide equal opportunities to historically marginalized communities.
- Educational Upliftment:
The commission sought to enhance access to education for backward classes to improve their socio-economic status.
- Data Collection:
It aimed to gather data on the socio-economic conditions of these communities, facilitating informed policy-making.
Impact of the Mandal Commission
- Policy Implementation:
The recommendations were implemented in the 1990s, leading to significant changes in the job market and educational institutions.
- Social Dynamics:
The commission's recommendations sparked widespread debates and protests, influencing the political landscape in India.
- Empowerment of Backward Classes:
It played a crucial role in empowering backward classes, providing them with opportunities that were previously inaccessible.
In conclusion, the Mandal Commission was a pivotal step towards achieving social equity and justice in India by focusing on the upliftment of backward classes through affirmative action.