The Mandal Commission, or the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission (SEBC), was established in India on 1 January 1979 by the Janata Party government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai with a mandate to "identify the socially or educationally backward classes" of India. It was headed by the late B.P.

Head of the Second Backward Classes Commission:

The head of the Second Backward Classes Commission was B.P. Mandal.

Introduction:
B.P. Mandal, also known as Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal, was an Indian politician and social reformer. He was born on August 25, 1918, in Saharsa, Bihar. Mandal served as a Member of Parliament and held various important positions in the Indian government. He is best known for heading the Second Backward Classes Commission, commonly referred to as the Mandal Commission.

Background:
The Mandal Commission was established in India in 1979 by the Janata Party government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The purpose of the commission was to identify the socially and educationally backward classes of India and recommend measures for their upliftment. The commission was formed due to the growing demand for social justice and equal opportunities for all sections of society.

Appointment and Responsibilities:
B.P. Mandal was appointed as the chairman of the Second Backward Classes Commission. His role was to lead the commission in conducting a thorough study and analysis of the social and economic conditions of the backward classes in India. The commission was tasked with identifying the communities that were socially and educationally disadvantaged and recommending appropriate policies and measures to address their issues.

Report and Recommendations:
After several years of extensive research and analysis, the Mandal Commission submitted its report to the Indian government in 1980. The report, commonly known as the "Mandal Commission Report," proposed a reservation policy for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs, educational institutions, and political representation. The commission recommended a reservation quota of 27% for OBCs in central government jobs and educational institutions.

Impact and Controversy:
The Mandal Commission Report sparked widespread debates and controversies across the country. While some sections of society supported the recommendations as a means of providing equal opportunities to the historically marginalized communities, others criticized it as a threat to meritocracy and argued that it would lead to reverse discrimination. The implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendations resulted in protests, demonstrations, and even violence in various parts of India.

Conclusion:
B.P. Mandal played a significant role as the head of the Second Backward Classes Commission. His leadership and the commission's report had a lasting impact on India's social and political landscape. The Mandal Commission's recommendations continue to shape India's policies regarding reservations and affirmative action for the backward classes, making it a crucial milestone in the country's pursuit of social justice and equality.