What is the basis of categorization as OBC?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → social and educational backwardness
Option (1) social and educational backwardness — Correct. The Constitution recognises that groups other than the Scheduled Castes and Tribes may suffer social disadvantages. It describes them as the ‘socially and educationally backward classes’, and this is the constitutional basis of the term ‘Other Backward Classes’. Such groups need not be based on caste alone, though they are generally identified by caste.
Option (4) marginalised tribal groups — Incorrect. Tribal groups recognised for special treatment are listed as the Scheduled Tribes, a separate category from the OBCs.
NCERT (2025-26): “The Other Backward Classes … The Constitution of India recognises the possibility that there may be groups other than the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes who suffer from social disadvantages. These groups – which need not be based on caste alone, but generally are identified by caste – were described as the ‘socially and educationally backward classes’. This is the constitutional basis of the popular term ‘Other Backward Classes’ (OBCs), which is in common use today.…” |