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OBC Category Full Form

OBC Category Full Form

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jan 05, 2023 04:48 PM IST

What is the Full Form of OBC?

The Indian government uses the term "OBC," or "Other Backward Class," to refer to castes less fortunate in society or in terms of education. Up till 2006, 41% of Indians belonged to the OBC group. They occupied a middle position in the social order between the upper and scheduled castes. Discrimination yet persisted. They were primarily employed in agriculture and herding in the past and were poor and illiterate. OBCs are academically and socially backward compared to upper castes or the general group. Compared to Scheduled Castes(SC), OBCs believe they are superior. However, the Indian Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment keeps an updated list of OBCs, adding and removing castes and communities based on social, economic, and educational considerations. The OBC and SC communities frequently clash.

Indian Law’s Provisions For OBCs

The OBC category's privileges are enumerated in articles 15 and 16, the same as those of the SC (Schedule Caste)/ ST (Schedule Tribe). Additionally, they reserve seats for institutions financed by the state government and public employment. 52% of India's population was classified as OBC, according to the Mandal Commission report from 1980. The social, economic, and welfare issues of the OBC are handled by the NCBC (National Commission For Backward Classes ) and NBCFDC (National Backward Classes Finance and Development Cooperation).

Government Accountability

Article 340 of the Indian Constitution mandates that the government work to advance OBCs' welfare. The president can appoint a committee made up of the people he deems appropriate to look into the difficulties faced by the socially and educationally backward classes (SEBC) in India. They can also offer suggestions for the actions the union or any state should take to resolve these issues and better their status, as well as for the grants that ought to be given and the directive for creating such a commission.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. Who is considered to be a member of the OBC group?

 The term Other Backward Classes (OBC) is used by the Indian government to describe castes with social or educational disadvantages.

2. What proportion of Indians are from OBC?

It indicates that in 2019–20, 45% of the population was OBC, 19% was scheduled caste (SC), 11% was scheduled tribal (ST), and the remaining 25% included upper caste Hindus and the majority of members of all other religious groups aside from Buddhists.

3. How do I apply online for a certificate for the OBC?

Here are the steps to follow: 

  • Visit the Backward Class Welfare Portal's official website to access the department that issues caste certificates.

  • Select the Apply for Caste Certificate option.

  • Create an account if you still need to get one on the portal.

  • Utilize the login information.

  • You'll receive an application form to fill out.

4. Which article of government works for the welfare of OBC?

Article 340 of the government works for the welfare of OBC.

5. What distinguishes OBC from SC/ST?

It was not solely focused on caste; other backward classes included socially and educationally disadvantaged classes. OBCs are not Dalits or members of the advanced castes. It is a far more diversified group than the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

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