The conventional “varna system” of the Hindu caste system is only one of several levels that are separated into categories based on the origin and history of our Indian society. Compared to the traditional varna system, the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes are distinctive.
Due to their long history of fighting for equal rights in Indian culture, these castes and tribes are referred to as a group of “backward classes.” In some areas of the country, they have been and still are socially and economically disadvantaged.
As they begin to reclaim their position in society, people from other classes are progressively letting go of these biases. Through the government’s reservation policy, a certain number of people who are part of these underprivileged classes are guaranteed entrance to and employment in government-related fields.
Full Form of SC
The full form of “SC” in relation to social and political classification in India is Scheduled Castes.
Full Form of ST
The full form of “ST” is Scheduled Tribes.
Full Form of OBC
According to the indian law the full form of “OBC” is Other Backward Classes.
What Are The SC, ST, and OBC?
Scheduled Castes (SC)
SC is a group of underprivileged people in India. They’ve always been considered a socially and educationally backward class by the government since they don’t receive adequate amenities and respect in society.
In order to mitigate their economic and social disadvantages and to advance their welfare, the Scheduled Castes are entitled to specific affirmative action measures, such as reservations in educational institutions and government positions. Based on the social, educational, and economic circumstances of each region, the list of Scheduled Castes differs for each state and union territory in India.
Schedule Tribes (ST)
The Indian government has identified certain tribes as Scheduled Tribes, sometimes referred to as Adivasis or Indigenous Peoples. The Indian Constitution grants this community’s residents specific rights and privileges since it recognizes their socio-economic condition as being particularly vulnerable.
They have their own unique cultures, languages, and customs and are dispersed throughout the many states of India. They frequently deal with problems like prejudice, access to healthcare and education being restricted, and poverty.
Other Backward Classes (OBC)
The Indian government utilizes the term “Other Backward Class” to group castes that suffer from social disadvantage and educational disadvantage, and these castes are eligible for affirmative action in the form of reservations in educational institutions and government positions.
According to the 1980 Mandal Commission report, 52% of India’s population belonged to the Other Backward class. According to the National Sample Survey Organisation, the percentage dropped to 41% by 2006.
There are proposals to create sub-categories inside Other Backward Class in order to guarantee that government profit reaches the deserving class. In India, there are more than 5,000 groups classified as OBCs. The Indian government has put in place a number of programs and policies to deal with these problems and advance the socioeconomic advancement of OBCs.
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Reservation in India
Reservations existed in India long before independence. It was drafted by the Constituent Assembly, which was headed over by Dr. BR Ambedkar.
According to data from 71 Ministries and Departments, as of January 1, 2014, there were 17.35%, 8.38%, and 19.28%, respectively, of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes that worked in positions and services within the Central Government.
A time-bound action plan for filling backlog-reserved posts has been communicated to all affected Departments and Ministries on November 20, 2014, with the goal of filling such vacancies by August 2016.
This strategy was developed based on suggestions of a Committee led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The assessment of the causes of the backlog of unfilled reserved positions, a revision of the mandated requirements if needed, a special recruitment drive, and pre-recruitment training programs are all included in the Action Plan.
India First Implemented Reservations:
- Make sure that individuals from all castes are equally represented in the state and national government’s services.
- In order to provide an equal opportunity to everyone, irrespective of their caste.
- To assist in the advancement of the underprivileged.
SC/ST/OBC Reservation Percentage
The percentages of SC (Scheduled Castes), ST (Scheduled Tribes), and OBC (Other Backward Classes) reservation in India vary depending on state-specific laws and national policy. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the reservation percentages are as follows:
SC Reservation Percentage: The reservation percentage for SCs in India is generally around 15%. This reservation applies to government jobs, educational institutions, and legislative bodies (both at central and state levels).
ST Reservation Percentage: The reservation percentage for STs is approximately 7.5%. Similar to SCs, this reservation is applicable to government jobs, educational institutions, and legislative bodies.
OBC Reservation Percentage: The reservation percentage for OBCs varies from state to state. In general, it ranges from around 27% to 50%. This reservation is implemented in government jobs, educational institutions, and legislative bodies.
It’s important to learn the reservation percentages may be subject to changes over time based on government policies, legal amendments, and specific regional requirements. It’s advisable to refer to the latest official notifications and government sources for the most up-to-date information on reservation percentages in India.
Purpose of the SC, ST and OBC Certificate and Their Benefits
The ST, OBC, or SC caste certificate is required in order to take advantage of the government’s allocation program for the underprivileged.
A caste certificate serves as legal documentation proving one’s membership in a certain caste or tribe. Members of the lower classes or tribes may now fully enjoy the reservation and promotion benefits that they had been denied for a very long time thanks to the caste certificate. Even while applicants from all other classes are eligible to do so, the SC, ST, and OBC applications for caste certificates are particularly important since they come with unique benefits.
Caste certificates are documents that serve as proof of caste and are required to be shown in order to be granted certain special benefits under the Indian system of Protective Discrimination.
Special seats in the Legislative Assembly and government services are some of these advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What is SC, ST and OBC full form?
Here are the full forms of SC, ST, and OBC:
- SC: Scheduled Castes
- ST: Scheduled Tribes
- OBC: Other Backward Classes
What is general caste full form?
In India, there is no specific term or full form for the “general” category,
