In which year did the Morarji Desai Government appoint the Second Backward Classes Commission under the chairmanship of BP Mandal?

The correct answer is 1979.

Key Points

• The Morarji Desai Government appointed the Second Backward Classes Commission, also known as the Mandal Commission, in 1979.
• The commission was chaired by B.P. Mandal, a former Member of Parliament.
• The objective of the Mandal Commission was to identify socially and educationally backward classes in India and recommend measures for their advancement.
• The Commission submitted its report in 1980, suggesting a reservation of 27% for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions.
• The recommendations were implemented in 1990 by Prime Minister V.P. Singh, leading to significant political and social changes.

Additional Information

• Reservation Policy in India:
  • Reservation is a system of affirmative action aimed at improving opportunities for underprivileged communities.
  • It is primarily provided for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
  • The Mandal Commission's recommendations formalized the inclusion of OBCs in the reservation system.
• Mandal Commission's Key Recommendations:
  • 27% reservation for OBCs in central government services and educational institutions.
  • Critically based on caste as the primary criterion for identifying backwardness.
  • Focused on improving social equity and access to opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
• Supreme Court Verdict on Reservation:
  • In the Indra Sawhney case (1992), the Supreme Court upheld the 27% reservation for OBCs.
  • Introduced the concept of a "creamy layer" to exclude economically affluent members of OBCs from the benefits.
  • The decision remains a cornerstone in India's reservation framework.
• Controversy and Protests:
  • The implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendations in 1990 led to widespread protests across the country.
  • Supporters viewed it as essential for social justice, while critics argued it promoted caste-based divisions.