By Bijay Pradhan
BHUBANESWAR:The primary objective behind the formation of any constitution is the welfare of society, protectionof equal rights and liberty, and the overall development of the nation and its people. A welfare stateshould formulate policies and systems that ensure social justice, economic progress, and equalopportunities for all sections of society.
If the Constitution was framed mainly for the development and welfare of society, then the
classification of communities should have been based on their actual social and economic realities,livelihood patterns, educational conditions, and contribution to the nation’s development. However,several questions arise regarding the way caste-based classifications were created in India.
One major concern is regarding the classification of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). OBCcommunities constitute nearly 50% of India’s population, yet they are categorized as “Other Backward Classes.” This raises an important question: if such a large section of society forms themajority population, why are they still identified as “backward” instead of being considered a centralor major social group in national development planning?
The common explanation is that OBC communities were socially, educationally, and economicallybackward. However, another question naturally follows: who was responsible for creating thisbackwardness? Was it the people themselves, society, or the traditional social system thathistorically restricted access to education, resources, and social dignity for many communities?
Similarly, in the General Category, apart from the Brahmin community, many people do not considerthemselves Brahmin either mentally, socially, or culturally. Some individuals from the GeneralCategory may be socially, economically, and educationally well established, but many others stillbelong to poor and disadvantaged sections of society. Therefore, the question arises: why shouldthey not receive special support or recognition in education, finance, and political representation?
Why are they excluded from the benefits and provisions that are provided to other caste groups?This is an important and analytical issue that needs serious discussion.
It clearly indicates that caste classification in India also carries a political perspective. In many cases,it has contributed to social division and the preservation of dominance by certain upper castegroups. At the same time, many people from the General Category, apart from Brahmins, do notidentify themselves with Brahmin ideology, traditions, or lifestyle. Their social thinking, culturalpractices, and livelihood patterns are often closer to those of OBC communities.
Therefore, an important question arises: why are such communities included in the General Category along withBrahmins?
According to this perspective, the inclusion of these communities in the General Category has helpedupper caste groups maintain social and political influence. If these communities were not included inthe General Category, then the Brahmin community alone would become a much smaller minoritygroup in the country, similar in population proportion to other minority communities. As a result,broader OBC and Bahujan communities could become socially and politically stronger. This is viewedby some people as a significant social and political strategy that should be understood and discussed
openly.
As per my opinion, the major population of India — often referred to as the Bahujan community —includes people from General, OBC, and SC categories, together forming nearly 70% of Indiansociety. The time has now come to organize and empower the OBC community for the greaterbenefit of the nation, as well as for the welfare of the farming community, which is the backbone ofIndian society.
At the same time, economic and educational hardship is not limited only to OBC communities.Poverty and lack of educational opportunities also exist among people categorized under the generalcategory. Therefore, backwardness cannot be understood only through caste identity. The issuereflects deeper social inequalities that developed historically within society.
India is primarily a rural country, and a large proportion of the population depends on agriculture forsurvival and livelihood. Farmers from OBC, SC, ST, minority, and general communities together formthe backbone of the Indian economy. Agriculture remains one of the main economic foundations ofthe country, and almost 70% of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on it.
Considering this reality, the argument can be made that communities heavily involved in agricultureand rural livelihoods should have received greater focus in national development policies after independence. Without strengthening farmers, rural communities, and agricultural systems,balanced national development becomes difficult.
The article also argues that while the Constitution and government policies gave important attentionto Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and minorities due to the severe socialdiscrimination they historically faced, insufficient attention was given to the broader developmentalneeds of OBC communities. As a result, many OBC populations continue to face economic,educational, and political challenges even today.
This discussion does not oppose the rights, reservations, or welfare measures provided to SCs, STs,or minorities. Those communities experienced serious social oppression and required constitutionalprotections and support. However, the concern expressed here is that the developmental needs ofOBC communities, especially farmers and rural populations, did not receive equal long-termstrategic importance despite their large population share and economic contribution.
To fulfill the remaining provisions of the Mandal Commission, there is a need to provide stronger recognition and empowerment to the OBC community. The term “Other Backward Class” should be reconsidered and replaced with a more dignified and representative status for these communities.
Such recognition can contribute significantly to their social, economic, and political development.People belonging to OBC communities have played a foundational role in building Indian society.
They are farmers, workers, producers, and providers who contribute greatly to the nation’s
livelihood and economy. Agriculture and traditional occupations have always been the backbone of India’s development. Even the Indus Valley Civilization flourished because of the importance given to agriculture, trade, and productive communities.
Therefore, the contribution of these communities should never be ignored. As a major section of Indian society, the Bahujan communities have an important role in shaping the nation’s future andshould have the full right to express their opinions, participate in decision-making, and receive equal respect and opportunities in society.
A welfare state cannot achieve real progress only through administrative rules, industrial growth, or institutional development. True national development requires policies that directly improve the lives of ordinary people, especially those involved in agriculture, rural labor, and traditional livelihoods. Development schemes, educational reforms, economic opportunities, and social welfare systems should focus on strengthening the majority working population of the country.
Even after more than seven decades of independence, India continues to face challenges such as low per capita income, unequal educational access, rural poverty, and social imbalance. These issues suggest that greater attention must be given to inclusive rural and agricultural development.
Therefore, the development of farmers, OBC communities, rural workers, and agriculture should be considered central to the nation’s progress. Without the advancement of these sections, inclusive and sustainable development of India may remain incomplete.
