Syllabus:

GS 2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States

Context: 

Recently, Jharkhand has finished collecting data on the population of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from all districts of the state to determine quotas for OBCs in urban local bodies.

More on the News

• The data collection is a part of the first step of the “triple test”, a three-step guideline laid down by the Supreme Court to ensure OBC quotas in local bodies.

What is the “Triple Test”?

This three-step constitutional guideline for granting OBC reservation in local bodies is based on:

• Empirical Inquiry: Formation of a dedicated commission to study backwardness in local bodies.
• Quantification: Fixing quota proportion based on the commission’s recommendations.
• Reservation Cap: Combined SC/ST/OBC reservation must not exceed 50% of total seats.

The “triple test” was outlined by the Supreme Court in the Vikas Kishanrao Gawali vs State of Maharashtra and others in 2021. 

Implementation in Jharkhand 

• OBC Commission: It was constituted in June 2023.
• Survey Conducted: A door-to-door survey focused on OBC voters and population in urban areas (not a caste census).
• Institutes Involved: IIM, Xavier School of Management (XLRI), and Xavier Institute of Social Service are analyzing socio-economic and educational data.

Scope of Survey:

• Population distribution
• Political representation across levels (ULBs to Parliament)
• Analysis of winners from general and reserved seats in past ULB elections
• Data over the past 25 years

OBC Classification in Jharkhand

In Jharkhand, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are categorized into two main groups: Backward Class I (BC-I) and Backward Class II (BC-II).

BC-I generally represents the more socially and educationally disadvantaged OBCs, while BC-II includes those with a slightly better socioeconomic standing.

OBCs make up roughly 50% of Jharkhand’s population.

• BC-I (More Backward): 127 castes, eligible for higher reservation.
• BC-II (Relatively Better-off): 45 castes.
• Kudmi (Mahato/Mahto Subgroup): Largest OBC group; ~15% of electorate.

Significance of OBC Quota Determination

• It ensures data-backed and legally compliant OBC representation.
• It sets a precedent for other states amid nationwide debates on caste-based reservation and census.