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{{Short description|Indian government term for non-disadvantaged castes}}
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{{Disputed|date=January 2011}}
'''Forward caste''' (or '''General caste''')<ref>{{cite book|title=The Study of the Impact of Early Life Conditions on Later Life Events|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SNK5oVOpiVUC&dq=Forward+caste+or+general+caste&pg=PA119|author=Sumedha Gupta|publisher=Rozenberg publishers|page=119}}</ref> is a term used in ] to denote ]s which are not listed in ], ] or ] reservation lists. They are on average considered ahead of other castes economically and educationally. They account for about 30.8% of the population based on Schedule 10 of available data from the ] 55th (1999–2000) and ] 61st Rounds (2004–05) Round Survey.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}
{{Refimprove|date=April 2011}}
}}


'''Forward caste''' (also known as '''Forward Class''', '''Forward Community''', and '''General Class''') is a term used in ] to denote groups of people who do not qualify for any of the ] schemes operated by the government of India. These schemes are known as ]. Those groups who do so qualify are listed as ] or ], and they can take advantage of defined quotas amongst other benefits for education, tax benefits, special governement schemes,government employment and political representation. The lists of Forward, Other Backward and Scheduled castes, and Scheduled tribes are compiled irrespective of religion.<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> The lists are subject to change from time to time, dependent upon social, educational and economic factors. However, although lists are produced for those groups entitled to take advantage of the quotas, there is no such list for the forward caste group; if a person does not belong to any of the listed groups then that person is by default a member of a group classed as forward caste.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} Those groups that qualify for reservation benefits are listed as ], ] and ]. They can avail defined quotas amongst other benefits for education, special government schemes, government employment and political representation. The lists of Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward class are compiled irrespective of religion.<ref>{{cite book |author=Gaurang R. Sahay |chapter=Hierarchy, difference and the caste system |editor=Dipankar Gupta |title=Caste in Question |publisher=SAGE |year=2004 |pages=130–131 |isbn=9780761933243 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bgpEIb4tNjgC&pg=PA2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vCQ24WjlwZwC&pg=PA155 |author=Girukamukkalla Savaraiah |title=Rural Banking in India|publisher=Daya Publishing House |year=1988|isbn=9788170350446 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sTS4OO9lcdgC&pg=PA102|title=Social Development and Demographic Changes in South India|access-date=14 June 2015|isbn=9788185880501|last1=Balakrishnan Nair|first1=V.|year=1994}}</ref>


] among forward castes were later granted less than 10% reservation by government.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Balakrishnan Nair |first1=V. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sTS4OO9lcdgC&pg=PA102 |title=Social Development and Demographic Changes in South India |year=1994 |isbn=9788185880501 |access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
===Status of reservation quotas in various states of India===
The table below gives the proportion of the households belonging to various reserved categories in the total population as per the NFHS 2007 survey conducted by the Government of India.<ref></ref>{{full|date=November 2012}}<!--tagged for a full citation because this is a hopeless mess that involves the reader in a lot of digging around subpages of the cited source-->


== General caste ==
{|class="wikitable sortable" cellspacing=2px
General caste is an informal relative term which may refer to a caste which is not listed in the SC, ST or OBC lists.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}
!State
!GEN
!OBC
!SC
!ST
!OTH / NA
|-
|AP
|26%
|49%
|18%
|7%
|0%
|-
|Arunachal
|25%
|5%
|6%
|62%
|2%
|-
|Assam
|50%
|22%
|13%
|10%
|5%
|-
|Bihar
|22%
|59%
|19%
|1%
|0%
|-
|Chattisgarh
|11%
|45%
|14%
|30%
|0%
|-
|Delhi
|67%
|14%
|17%
|1%
|1%
|-
|Goa
|70%
|17%
|5%
|5%
|3%
|-
|Gujarat
|35%
|39%
|15%
|11%
|0%
|-
|HP
|61%
|14%
|20%
|5%
|0%
|-
|Haryana
|52%
|23%
|25%
|0%
|0%
|-
|J&amp;K
|68%
|10%
|13%
|9%
|0%
|-
|Jharkhand
|16%
|45%
|11%
|28%
|0%
|-
|Karnataka
|28%
|44%
|15%
|6%
|7%
|-
|Kerala
|56%
|31%
|11%
|2%
|0%
|-
|MP
|21%
|40%
|18%
|21%
|0%
|-
|Maharashtra
|47%
|26%
|16%
|11%
|0%
|-
|Manipur
|55%
|12%
|7%
|26%
|0%
|-
|Meghalaya
|9%
|3%
|7%
|81%
|0%
|-
|Mizoram
|3%
|1%
|1%
|95%
|0%
|-
|Nagaland
|8%
|14%
|5%
|73%
|0%
|-
|Orissa
|30%
|27%
|20%
|23%
|0%
|-
|Punjab
|58%
|10%
|32%
|0%
|0%
|-
|Rajastan
|22%
|45%
|19%
|14%
|0%
|-
|Sikkim
|14%
|41%
|9%
|36%
|0%
|-
|TN
|2%
|75%
|22%
|1%
|0%
|-
|Tripura
|39%
|21%
|23%
|17%
|0%
|-
|Uttarakhand
|62%
|15%
|21%
|3%
|0%
|-
|UP
|24%
|50%
|25%
|1%
|0%
|-
|WB
|34%
|24%
|26%
|16%
|0%
|-
|}


==Economic and educational status== ==Economic and educational status==
{{As of|2007}}, forward castes had to compete only in the open category, as they are considered socially, educationally, and economically advanced. The open category seats can be competed and filled by any section of the society irrespective of the caste. Due to rigorous demand and the relative financial weakness of the people of the General category, the Government of India introduced 10% as EWS quota for them, which makes their total reservation to 10%. However, in certain states, such as ], the reservation percentage is around 69%.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120713120153/http://news.monstersandcritics.com/india/news/article_1285498.php/Tamil_Nadus_quota_stir_an_assertion_of_its_69_percent%0A_NEWS_ANALYSIS_ |date=2012-07-13 }}</ref>
The Government of India does not collect community census data except for ]/]. Economic and educational level of various social groups are gauged using large-sample surveys. The National Sample Survey taken in 1999–2000 and the National Family Health Survey taken in 2005-2006 (or perhaps an earlier round of the NFHS){{clarify|reason="perhaps"? you mean that we do not know? if not then this is utterly pointless|date=January 2012}} estimated economic, educational, and health indicators of various communities. These surveys were used extensively in the report submitted by the oversight committee.<ref></ref>{{dead link|date=January 2012}}


==Reservation for economically backward among forward castes==
{{As of|2007}}, forward castes had to compete only in the open category, as they are considered socially, educationally, and economically advanced. At that time the reservation proportion stood at 50% in central-government educational institutions and central-government jobs. However, in certain states, such as ], the reservation percentage was around 69%.<ref></ref>


Before 2019, forward castes were only allowed to compete for seats in the unreserved category in educational institutions and central government jobs, regardless of their educational/economical status in society. A significant percentage of the forward caste lives below the poverty line, and more than 30% of the members of this community are illiterate. To meet their aspirations, demands have been raised for providing separate reservations for the poor among forward caste populations. Many political parties like ], ], ], ], ], ]<ref>, ExpressIndia, 5 May 2006. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312130357/http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=67190 |date=March 12, 2007 }}</ref><ref>, ExpressIndia, 17 May 2006. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311123218/http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=67837 |date=2007-03-11 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2006/06/05/stories/2006060504941400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311033931/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2006/06/05/stories/2006060504941400.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=March 11, 2007|title=Paswan for quota for economically backward|work=The Hindu|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/08/14/stories/2003081403450900.htm|title=Cong. for 'quota' for poor among forward castes|newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 August 2003 |url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040317043708/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/08/14/stories/2003081403450900.htm |archive-date=17 March 2004}}</ref> have supported proposals for providing a separate reservation for the poor among the forward castes.
=== Economic status ===
The 1998–1999 National Sample Survey{{citation needed|date=January 2012}} calculated the economic status of forward communities separately for rural/urban areas in various income brackets. It shows
* Only 6.4% of forward castes in rural areas appear in upper income bracket with per capita monthly income stands at above Rs 925 per month.
* 30% of rural population is made up of forward castes.
* More than 65% of forward castes per capita income stands below Rs 525 per month.

For urban areas:
* Only 5.6% of forward castes appear in the upper-income bracket with per capita income at or above Rs. 1925 per month (around US $40).
* More than 25% of forward castes per capita income stands below Rs. 500 per month (around $10).

=== Educational status===
* More than 30% of forward castes above 15 years of age are illiterate.
* Only 8% of forward castes are graduates.
* Around 85% of forward castes above 15 years of age have done equal to or below secondary education (10 Years of education).
* In some states the number of seats available to forward castes in educational institutes is below their proportion in population. Notable examples are Goa, Manipur, Delhi and Uttrakhand.

== Reservation for economically backward among forward castes ==
Currently forward castes are only allowed to compete for seats in the unreserved category in educational institutions and central government jobs, irrespective of their educational/economical status in the society. However, a significant percentage of the Forward caste population lives below the poverty line and more than 30% of the members of this community are illiterate. To meet their aspirations, demands have been raised for providing separate reservations for the poor among Forward caste populations. Many political parties like BJP, Samajwadi Party, LJP, Rastriya Janata Dal, Communist Party of India(Marxist), Bahujan Samaj Party<ref></ref>{{dead link|date=January 2012}}<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> have supported proposals for providing separate reservation for the poor among the forward castes. These parties account for over 400 of the 542 members in the current parliament, as well as holding power in most states in the union.

{|
|-
|] is widespread in all communities. Indian definition of poverty is living life with less than 0.25 US$/Day(Approx). Whereas United nations definition of Poverty is living life with less than $1/Day.<ref></ref> More than 65% of forward castes will be living below poverty line if UN poverty definition is considered.{{citation needed|date=January 2012}}
]]
|}


===Timeline=== ===Timeline===
* 1991: Congress government headed by Narasimha Rao introduced 10% separate reservation for poor among forward castes. * 1991: Congress government headed by Narasimha Rao introduced 10% separate reservation for poor among forward castes.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bureau|first=The Rediff News|title=Will Modi's quota meet same fate as Narasimha Rao's?|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/upper-caste-quota-will-modi-meet-same-fate-as-narasimha-raos/20190108.htm|access-date=2021-11-21|website=Rediff|language=en}}</ref>
* 1992: The Supreme Court has ruled in the Indra Sawhney case that separate reservation for poor among forward castes as invalid. Government has withdrawn separate reservation as per supreme court judgement. (Many other verdicts given in same case has been overruled by constitutional amendments like quota in promotions, exceeding 50% reservations for Tamil Nadu, judgement regarding creamy layer in the same case was not implemented by Tamil Nadu so far.) * 1992: The Supreme Court has ruled in the ] case that separate reservation for poor among forward castes is invalid. Government has withdrawn separate reservation as per supreme court judgement.
* 2003: BJP government appointed a group of Ministers for suggesting measures for implementation of separate reservation for poor among forward castes.<ref></ref> * 2003: BJP government appointed a group of ministers for suggesting measures for implementation of separate reservation for the poor among forward castes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/08/12/stories/2003081206440100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031021113937/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/08/12/stories/2003081206440100.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=October 21, 2003|title=The Hindu : GoM to study quota for poor among forward castes|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
* 2004: Task force has been set up to work out modalities for providing reservations to Poor among forward castes.No information available regarding report submitted by this task force.<ref></ref> * 2004: A task force has been set up to determine modalities for providing reservations to the poor among forward castes. No information available regarding a report submitted by this task force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2004/01/24/stories/2004012402250500.htm|title=The Hindu Business Line: Jobs for economically backward classes: 4-member commission set up|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
* 2006: Present Congress Government appointed commission to study separate reservation for economically backward castes.<ref></ref> * 2006: Congress government appointed commission to study separate reservation for economically backward class.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/25/stories/2006072514730300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313155223/http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/25/stories/2006072514730300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-03-13|title=Commission for economically backward classes constituted|access-date=14 June 2015|newspaper=]|date=2006-07-25}}</ref>
* 2006: Communist government in ] earmarked 12% seats in private professional colleges for economically poor among forward castes.<ref></ref> * 2006: The Communist government in ] earmarked 12% of the seats in private professional colleges for the economically poor among forward castes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pd.cpim.org/2006/0702/07022006_ragesh.htm|title=The Kerala Professional Colleges Bill And Social Justice|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
State and central governments have not released adequate data regarding the representation of various communities in their services and admissions to educational institutions.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}} Most of the private companies in India do not collect data regarding the community of their employees.

]
Many backward caste leaders allege forward castes are over represented in many spheres of life. State and central governments have not released adequate data regarding representation of various communities in their services and admissions to educational institutions. Most of the private companies in India do not collect data regarding community of their employees. Very few reports are available regarding representation of various communities in public–private services and admissions in educational institutions.
* In Tamil Nadu forward castes have secured around 1.9% of the seats in medical colleges in 2004 and 2.68% of the seats in 2005, against their population percentage of 13%. This trend of poor representation has continued for the last 10 years as claimed by lawyers in one of the reservation cases, because other communities are very competitive and secure seats in general quote because of education has reached beyond forward communities.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Hindu |title=TN Act on reservation under 9th schedule illegal|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/218200610312222.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080523134851/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/218200610312222.htm |archive-date=2008-05-23 |date=31 October 2006}}</ref>

* The Narendra committee report in Kerala has pointed out that forward castes representation in public services and PSU units is around 36 to 38%, which is more or less equal to their population percentage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milligazette.com/Archives/2004/01-15Aug04-Print-Edition/011508200494.htm|title=League locks horns with upper castes, The Milli Gazette, Vol.5 No.15, MG109 (1-15 Aug 04)|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
* In Tamil Nadu forward castes have secured around 1.9% of seats in medical colleges in 2004 and 2.68% seats in 2005 as against their population percentage of 13%.See Also ]. This trend of poor representation has continued for the last 10 years as claimed by lawyers in one of the Reservation cases.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Hindu |title=TN Act on reservation under 9th schedule illegal|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/218200610312222.htm |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080523134851/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/218200610312222.htm |archivedate=2008-05-23 |date=31 October 2006}}</ref>
* The Karnataka minister in the state Assembly has announced that the per capita income of the ] is less than that of all communities including scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.rediff.com/news/2006/may/23franc.htm?q=tp&file=.htm|title=Are Brahmins the Dalits of today?|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
** Narendra committee report in Kerala has pointed out that forward castes representation in public services and PSU units is around 36 to 38% which is more or less equal to their population.<ref></ref>
* The oversight committee in its final report has indicated that forward castes are placed better than backward castes in some indicators and are comparable with backward castes concerning some few indicators and that backward castes are superior in some parameters like health indicators in states like Assam, Maharashtra, Haryana, West Bengal, etc.<ref></ref>
** Karnataka Minister in state Assembly has announced that per capita income of the ] is lesser than all communities including scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.<ref></ref>
* The national survey 99-00 indicates that forward castes are better placed than SC/ST in almost all parameters. In rural unemployment, forward castes score worse than all other communities.
** Oversight committee in its final report has indicated that forward castes are placed better than backward castes in some indicators and comparable with backward castes in few indicators and backward castes are superior in some parameters like health indicators in states like Assam, Maharastra, Haryana, West Bengal, etc.<ref></ref>
* The provisional report of the National Sample Survey Organisation (2004–05) states that buying capacities of backward castes in rural and urban areas are comparable to forward castes. It also revises the backward castes figure as 41%. It states that landownership of backward castes are comparable to forward castes. It reiterates its earlier finding (in 99-00 survey) that forward castes are poorly employed (more unemployment).<ref>{{cite web |title=OBC population has increased: NSSO |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=31 October 2006 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1833012,0008.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070321200246/http://www.hindustantimes.in/news/181_1833012,0008.htm |archive-date=21 March 2007 |quote=The National The Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) report released on Tuesday reveals that the OBC population has increased from 35.8 per cent in 1999 to 41 per cent in 2004-05. The survey brings out that the OBCs have a buying capacity almost equal to that of the forward communities and more than SC's and ST's. In rural India, as many as eight per cent of OBCs spends Rs 1,100 or more every month as compared to 11 per cent of the forward communities. |access-date=9 November 2006 |url-status=live }}</ref>
** National Survey 99-00 indicates that forward castes are better placed than SC/ST in almost all parameters. However, in rural unemployment, forward castes score worse than all other communities.
* The national surveys used rural landholding pattern to assess wealthiness of various social groups. Its findings indicate that OBC and FC are comparable and there is a very small difference between them. There is a big difference between OBC/FC and SC. Even Scheduled Tribes are placed better than Scheduled castes. Experts who analysed the national survey results point out that other backward castes are near average in many parameters. Please see the chart.<ref>Surjit S Bhalla, , Business Standard, 14 June 2013.</ref>
** Recently released Provisional report of National Survey 04-05 states that Buying capacity of Backward castes in rural and urban areas are comparable to forward castes. It also revises Backward castes figure as 41%. It also states that Landownership of Backward castes are comparable to Forward castes. It reiterates its earlier finding (in 99-00 survey) that forward castes are poorly employed (more unemployment).<ref>http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1833012,0008.htm {{dead link|date=March 2011}}</ref>
* On 7 January 2019, the ] approved a 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the ] (EWS) in the forward castes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/union-cabinet-approves-10-reservation-for-economically-weaker-sections/articleshow/67418734.cms|title=Union Cabinet approves 10% reservation for economically weak among upper caste - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref> The cabinet decided that this would be over and above the existing 50% reservation for SC/ST/OBC categories.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/plea-in-sc-challenges-10-quota-to-poor-in-general-category/articleshow/67642542.cms|title=Plea in SC challenges 10% quota to poor in general category|date=22 January 2019|access-date=25 January 2019|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref>

* On 7 November 2022, ] by a 3:2 verdict in the Janhit Abhiyan vs Union Of India Writ Petition (Civil) No(S). 55 OF 2019, upheld the validity of the 103rd constitutional amendment carried out to provide legal sanction to carve out a 10% reservation for the economically weaker sections from unreserved classes for admission in educational institutions and government jobs<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/quotas-poor-forward-castes-supreme-court-rule-8254179/|title=Quotas for poor among 'forward castes' upheld: Here's the case and what the SC has ruled}}</ref> and held that the 50% cap on quota is not inviolable and affirmative action on economic basis may go a long way in eradicating caste-based reservation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-upholds-ews-quota-in-3-2-split-verdict-cji-in-minority/articleshow/95365168.cms|title=Supreme Court upholds EWS quota in 3-2 split verdict, CJI in minority|website=] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/reservation-policy-cannot-stay-for-indefinite-period-says-supreme-court/article66108033.ece?homepage=true|title=Reservation policy cannot stay for indefinite period, says Supreme Court|website=] }}</ref> This constitutional amendment pushed the total reservation to 59.50% in central institutions.
]
** National surveys used rural landholding pattern to assess wealthiness of various social groups. Its findings indicate that OBC and FC are comparable and there is a very minor difference between them. There is a big difference between OBC/FC and SC. Even Scheduled Tribes are placed better than Scheduled castes. Experts who analysed national survey results point out that other backward castes are near average in many parameters. Please refer chart.<ref>http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?autono=264481&leftnm=4&subLeft=0&chkFlg= {{dead link|date=March 2011}}</ref>

== Shrinking educational opportunities ==
During April 2006, India’s Human Resource Minister announced that 27% seats will be reserved exclusively for candidates from Other Backward castes in addition to existing 22.5% reservation for Scheduled castes and Scheduled Tribes.<ref></ref> This announcement was done when polling process was underway in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The election commission reprimanded Human Resources Ministry for making such announcement when election process was in progress.<ref>http://72.14.235.104/search?q=cache:97_AiaCG184J:eci.gov.in/ElectoralLaws/OrdersNotifications/order_Arjun_Singh_10052006.pdf+Central+Institutions+Arjun+Singh&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=5 {{dead link|date=March 2011}}</ref>

{|
|-
|]
|}

===Impact of announcement on forward castes===
After the implementation of OBC reservation, only 50% of seats are available in open competition. All communities can compete in open competition which means forward castes must secure between 72% and 78% of the 'open competition' seats in order to maintain their representation in keeping with their estimated population of 36-39%, whereas other communities will get major chunk of seats through exclusive reservations. This has resulted in protests from Forward caste community members and supporters from other communities under the banner of ]. and by They have pointed out following as reasons for their protests.


==Shrinking educational opportunities==
* The Government has implemented reservations for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for the last 60 years, however the social and economic situation of these groups has not shown much improvement.
{{See also|Affirmative action}}
* Any difference between proportion of different communities in Higher educational institutions is mainly because of difference in primary school enrollment. (This fact was also confirmed in National sample surveys and pointed out by Oversight committee in its final report). Government should attack the cause instead of providing reservation at higher education level.
During April 2006, India's Human Resource Minister announced that 27% seats will be reserved exclusively for candidates from Other Backward class in addition to existing 22.5% reservation for Scheduled castes and Scheduled Tribes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/08/stories/2006040814710100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060409133412/http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/08/stories/2006040814710100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2006-04-09|title=Quota for OBCs: &quot;No escape for Government&quot;|access-date=14 June 2015|newspaper=]|date=2006-04-08}}</ref>
* Already 24% of college seats are with Other backward castes. Providing another 27% seats will deprive chances of forward castes.


Many states do not have 27% of Other Backward class population, as per national sample surveys. (This includes major Indian states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal). Some Indian states like Assam {{Citation needed|reason=https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.timesofindia.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2019/goa/news/in-states-poll-board-caste-arithmetic-plays-electoral-calculus-in-determining-outcomes/amp_articleshow/68998438.cms|date=August 2016}}, Goa {{Citation needed|reason=Since there is no caste based survey data?|date=August 2016}}, Haryana {{Citation needed|reason=Since there is no caste based survey data?|date=August 2016}}, Himachal Pradesh {{Citation needed|reason=Since there is no caste based survey data?|date=August 2016}}, Uttarakhand {{Citation needed|reason=Since there is no caste based survey data?|date=August 2016}}, have more than 50% Forward castes population, which means the number of seats secured by Forward castes will not be equal to their population proportion even if they secure 100% seats in open competition in central government institutions of these states. Central government, however, excluded 27% reservations to Other Backward class to the areas with high tribal populations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/aug/30quota.htm|title=Reserve 27% seats for OBCs in 3 years: Bill|date=30 August 2006|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
]


However, on 7 January 2019, the ] approved 10% reservation for the forward castes in government jobs and educational institutions. This group is classified as the ] (EWS).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/union-cabinet-approves-10-reservation-for-economically-weaker-sections/articleshow/67418734.cms|title=Union Cabinet approves 10% reservation for economically weak among upper caste - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref> The cabinet decided that this would be over and above the existing 50% reservation for SC/ST/OBC categories.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/plea-in-sc-challenges-10-quota-to-poor-in-general-category/articleshow/67642542.cms|title=Plea in SC challenges 10% quota to poor in general category|date=22 January 2019|access-date=25 January 2019|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref>
The Government of India decided to introduce 27% reservations for other backward castes all over India.{{Clarify|reason=should be sc, st and OBC?|date=March 2013}} Many states do not have 27% of other backward caste population, as per national sample surveys. (This includes major Indian states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal). Some Indian states like Assam, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, has more than 50% forward castes population, which means the number of seats secured by forward castes will not be equal to their population proportion even if they secure 100% seats in open competition in central government institutions of these states. Central government, however, excluded 27% reservations to other backward castes to the areas with high tribal populations.<ref></ref>


==See also== ==See also==
* ] * ]
* ]


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}}
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{{Reservation in India}} {{Reservation in India}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Forward caste}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Forward caste}}
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Latest revision as of 07:49, 22 September 2024

Indian government term for non-disadvantaged castes

Forward caste (or General caste) is a term used in India to denote castes which are not listed in SC, ST or OBC reservation lists. They are on average considered ahead of other castes economically and educationally. They account for about 30.8% of the population based on Schedule 10 of available data from the National Sample Survey Organisation 55th (1999–2000) and National Sample Survey Organisation 61st Rounds (2004–05) Round Survey.

Those groups that qualify for reservation benefits are listed as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Other backward class and Economically Weaker Section. They can avail defined quotas amongst other benefits for education, special government schemes, government employment and political representation. The lists of Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward class are compiled irrespective of religion.

Economically Weaker Section among forward castes were later granted less than 10% reservation by government.

General caste

General caste is an informal relative term which may refer to a caste which is not listed in the SC, ST or OBC lists.

Economic and educational status

As of 2007, forward castes had to compete only in the open category, as they are considered socially, educationally, and economically advanced. The open category seats can be competed and filled by any section of the society irrespective of the caste. Due to rigorous demand and the relative financial weakness of the people of the General category, the Government of India introduced 10% as EWS quota for them, which makes their total reservation to 10%. However, in certain states, such as Tamil Nadu, the reservation percentage is around 69%.

Reservation for economically backward among forward castes

Before 2019, forward castes were only allowed to compete for seats in the unreserved category in educational institutions and central government jobs, regardless of their educational/economical status in society. A significant percentage of the forward caste lives below the poverty line, and more than 30% of the members of this community are illiterate. To meet their aspirations, demands have been raised for providing separate reservations for the poor among forward caste populations. Many political parties like BJP, Samajwadi Party, LJP, Rastriya Janata Dal, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Bahujan Samaj Party have supported proposals for providing a separate reservation for the poor among the forward castes.

Timeline

  • 1991: Congress government headed by Narasimha Rao introduced 10% separate reservation for poor among forward castes.
  • 1992: The Supreme Court has ruled in the Indra Sawhney & Others v. Union of India case that separate reservation for poor among forward castes is invalid. Government has withdrawn separate reservation as per supreme court judgement.
  • 2003: BJP government appointed a group of ministers for suggesting measures for implementation of separate reservation for the poor among forward castes.
  • 2004: A task force has been set up to determine modalities for providing reservations to the poor among forward castes. No information available regarding a report submitted by this task force.
  • 2006: Congress government appointed commission to study separate reservation for economically backward class.
  • 2006: The Communist government in Kerala earmarked 12% of the seats in private professional colleges for the economically poor among forward castes.

State and central governments have not released adequate data regarding the representation of various communities in their services and admissions to educational institutions. Most of the private companies in India do not collect data regarding the community of their employees.

Rural landholding pattern of various social groups calculated by National Sample Survey 99-00 indicate that OBC and forward castes are comparable in wealth
  • In Tamil Nadu forward castes have secured around 1.9% of the seats in medical colleges in 2004 and 2.68% of the seats in 2005, against their population percentage of 13%. This trend of poor representation has continued for the last 10 years as claimed by lawyers in one of the reservation cases, because other communities are very competitive and secure seats in general quote because of education has reached beyond forward communities.
  • The Narendra committee report in Kerala has pointed out that forward castes representation in public services and PSU units is around 36 to 38%, which is more or less equal to their population percentage.
  • The Karnataka minister in the state Assembly has announced that the per capita income of the Brahmins is less than that of all communities including scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
  • The oversight committee in its final report has indicated that forward castes are placed better than backward castes in some indicators and are comparable with backward castes concerning some few indicators and that backward castes are superior in some parameters like health indicators in states like Assam, Maharashtra, Haryana, West Bengal, etc.
  • The national survey 99-00 indicates that forward castes are better placed than SC/ST in almost all parameters. In rural unemployment, forward castes score worse than all other communities.
  • The provisional report of the National Sample Survey Organisation (2004–05) states that buying capacities of backward castes in rural and urban areas are comparable to forward castes. It also revises the backward castes figure as 41%. It states that landownership of backward castes are comparable to forward castes. It reiterates its earlier finding (in 99-00 survey) that forward castes are poorly employed (more unemployment).
  • The national surveys used rural landholding pattern to assess wealthiness of various social groups. Its findings indicate that OBC and FC are comparable and there is a very small difference between them. There is a big difference between OBC/FC and SC. Even Scheduled Tribes are placed better than Scheduled castes. Experts who analysed the national survey results point out that other backward castes are near average in many parameters. Please see the chart.
  • On 7 January 2019, the Union Council of Ministers approved a 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in the forward castes. The cabinet decided that this would be over and above the existing 50% reservation for SC/ST/OBC categories.
  • On 7 November 2022, Supreme Court of India by a 3:2 verdict in the Janhit Abhiyan vs Union Of India Writ Petition (Civil) No(S). 55 OF 2019, upheld the validity of the 103rd constitutional amendment carried out to provide legal sanction to carve out a 10% reservation for the economically weaker sections from unreserved classes for admission in educational institutions and government jobs and held that the 50% cap on quota is not inviolable and affirmative action on economic basis may go a long way in eradicating caste-based reservation. This constitutional amendment pushed the total reservation to 59.50% in central institutions.

Shrinking educational opportunities

See also: Affirmative action

During April 2006, India's Human Resource Minister announced that 27% seats will be reserved exclusively for candidates from Other Backward class in addition to existing 22.5% reservation for Scheduled castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Many states do not have 27% of Other Backward class population, as per national sample surveys. (This includes major Indian states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal). Some Indian states like Assam , Goa , Haryana , Himachal Pradesh , Uttarakhand , have more than 50% Forward castes population, which means the number of seats secured by Forward castes will not be equal to their population proportion even if they secure 100% seats in open competition in central government institutions of these states. Central government, however, excluded 27% reservations to Other Backward class to the areas with high tribal populations.

However, on 7 January 2019, the Union Council of Ministers approved 10% reservation for the forward castes in government jobs and educational institutions. This group is classified as the Economically Weaker Section (EWS). The cabinet decided that this would be over and above the existing 50% reservation for SC/ST/OBC categories.

See also

References

  1. Sumedha Gupta. The Study of the Impact of Early Life Conditions on Later Life Events. Rozenberg publishers. p. 119.
  2. Gaurang R. Sahay (2004). "Hierarchy, difference and the caste system". In Dipankar Gupta (ed.). Caste in Question. SAGE. pp. 130–131. ISBN 9780761933243.
  3. Girukamukkalla Savaraiah (1988). Rural Banking in India. Daya Publishing House. ISBN 9788170350446.
  4. Balakrishnan Nair, V. (1994). Social Development and Demographic Changes in South India. ISBN 9788185880501. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  5. Balakrishnan Nair, V. (1994). Social Development and Demographic Changes in South India. ISBN 9788185880501. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  6. Tamil Nadu's quota stir an assertion of its 69 percent? (NEWS ANALYSIS) - India Archived 2012-07-13 at archive.today
  7. Laloo bats for upper caste reservations, ExpressIndia, 5 May 2006. Archived March 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  8. Left strikes a masterstroke, ExpressIndia, 17 May 2006. Archived 2007-03-11 at the Wayback Machine
  9. "Paswan for quota for economically backward". The Hindu. Archived from the original on March 11, 2007. Retrieved 14 June 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. "Cong. for 'quota' for poor among forward castes". The Hindu. 14 August 2003. Archived from the original on 17 March 2004.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  11. Bureau, The Rediff News. "Will Modi's quota meet same fate as Narasimha Rao's?". Rediff. Retrieved 2021-11-21. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  12. "The Hindu : GoM to study quota for poor among forward castes". Archived from the original on October 21, 2003. Retrieved 14 June 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  13. "The Hindu Business Line: Jobs for economically backward classes: 4-member commission set up". Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  14. "Commission for economically backward classes constituted". The Hindu. 2006-07-25. Archived from the original on 2007-03-13. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  15. "The Kerala Professional Colleges Bill And Social Justice". Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  16. "TN Act on reservation under 9th schedule illegal". The Hindu. 31 October 2006. Archived from the original on 2008-05-23.
  17. "League locks horns with upper castes, The Milli Gazette, Vol.5 No.15, MG109 (1-15 Aug 04)". Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  18. "Are Brahmins the Dalits of today?". Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  19. FINAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE -3.10.2006.doc
  20. "OBC population has increased: NSSO". Hindustan Times. 31 October 2006. Archived from the original on 21 March 2007. Retrieved 9 November 2006. The National The Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) report released on Tuesday reveals that the OBC population has increased from 35.8 per cent in 1999 to 41 per cent in 2004-05. The survey brings out that the OBCs have a buying capacity almost equal to that of the forward communities and more than SC's and ST's. In rural India, as many as eight per cent of OBCs spends Rs 1,100 or more every month as compared to 11 per cent of the forward communities.
  21. Surjit S Bhalla, OBC: the Oh, so average Indian, Business Standard, 14 June 2013.
  22. "Union Cabinet approves 10% reservation for economically weak among upper caste - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
  23. "Plea in SC challenges 10% quota to poor in general category". The Economic Times. 22 January 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
  24. "Quotas for poor among 'forward castes' upheld: Here's the case and what the SC has ruled".
  25. "Supreme Court upholds EWS quota in 3-2 split verdict, CJI in minority". The Times of India.
  26. "Reservation policy cannot stay for indefinite period, says Supreme Court". The Hindu.
  27. "Quota for OBCs: "No escape for Government"". The Hindu. 2006-04-08. Archived from the original on 2006-04-09. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  28. "Reserve 27% seats for OBCs in 3 years: Bill". 30 August 2006. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  29. "Union Cabinet approves 10% reservation for economically weak among upper caste - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
  30. "Plea in SC challenges 10% quota to poor in general category". The Economic Times. 22 January 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
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