The organization of Backward Castes (BCs) in India refers to the collective efforts of socio-politically marginalized communities to assert their rights, gain political representation, and secure welfare benefits. These communities primarily belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), a term used in Indian affirmative action policies to designate groups that have historically faced social and economic discrimination but are not considered “Scheduled Castes” (SCs) or “Scheduled Tribes” (STs).
Key Features of Backward Caste Organizations:
- Historical Context: Historically, the OBCs were marginalized in the caste system, with limited access to education, employment, and political power. In post-independence India, various social justice movements, including those led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and E.V. Ramasamy Periyar, brought attention to the issues of caste-based discrimination.
- Political Mobilization: Since the 1980s, there has been a rise in the political mobilization of OBCs, particularly in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Political leaders from these communities, such as Mulayam Singh Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Lalu Prasad Yadav (Rashtriya Janata Dal), and M. Karunanidhi (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), have been instrumental in raising the political profile of backward castes and pushing for affirmative action policies.
- Reservation Policies: One of the primary goals of the backward caste organizations has been to advocate for reservations in education, employment, and political representation. The Mandal Commission Report (1980) recommended reservations for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions, a move that sparked widespread protests but also solidified the political importance of backward castes in India.
- Regional Movements: In some states, backward caste organizations have succeeded in forming their own regional parties, pushing for more autonomy and resource allocation. For example, in Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its offshoots have promoted the interests of backward castes, emphasizing language, culture, and welfare for these groups.
- Current Struggles: Even today, OBCs face challenges related to economic backwardness, lack of access to quality education, and social discrimination. Many backward caste organizations continue to demand enhanced quotas, representation, and government welfare schemes to uplift these communities.