Mandal Commission: Overview
The Mandal Commission, officially known as the Second Backward Classes Commission, was established in 1979 by the Indian government. It was headed by B.P. Mandal and aimed to identify socially and educationally backward classes in India.
Objectives of the Mandal Commission
The primary objectives of the Mandal Commission were:

• Identify Backward Classes: To determine the criteria for identifying socially and educationally backward classes in society.
• Reservation in Jobs: To recommend job reservations in government services and educational institutions for the identified backward classes.
• Social Justice: To promote social justice and equality by providing opportunities to marginalized communities.
• Data Collection: To gather data on the social, educational, and economic status of various communities.
• Empowerment: To empower backward classes by ensuring their representation in government and public life.

Key Recommendations
The Mandal Commission recommended that 27% of government jobs and educational institution seats be reserved for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), in addition to the existing 22.5% reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Impact of the Commission
The implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendations in 1990 led to significant political and social changes in India, sparking widespread debates and protests. It aimed to uplift disadvantaged communities and promote social equity in the country.
In summary, the Mandal Commission played a vital role in addressing the inequalities faced by backward classes in India and laid the foundation for affirmative action policies.