Q- Write the Full Form of SC, ST, and OBC? Find the answer to this question and access a vast question bank customised for students.
Answer -:
Let’s discuss all three full forms one by one.
SC- Scheduled Castes
ST- Scheduled Tribes
OBC- Other Backward Classes
The government of India established the castes of SC, ST, and OBC to assist some of the castes in bettering their lot. They benefit primarily from a reservation in government positions, higher education, and the legislature. This reservation’s mission is to promote and progress the underprivileged classes.
SC- Scheduled Castes
SC is India’s untouchable castes. In 2011, scheduled castes comprised 16.6% of India’s population. They were required to do ‘dirty’ jobs such as clearing faeces, cleaning up dead animals, leatherwork, etc. They were not allowed to handle the upper caste’s food, money, or clothes because they were to do dirty work. Among the Shudra castes, they were the most discriminatory.
ST- Scheduled Tribes
ST are Indian tribals who live in forests; there are also hunter-gatherer tribes. In 2011, scheduled tribes comprised 8.6% of India’s population. They are regarded as outcasts because they are not members of any organised religion. They have their fashion sense, traditions, cuisine, and culture.
OBC- Other Backward Classes
OBCs are farmers who are socially, educationally, and economically disadvantaged. OBCs were 41% of India’s population till 2006. They were situated between the upper and scheduled castes in terms of social hierarchy. However, there was still discrimination. Traditionally, they were poor, illiterate, and mostly involved in agriculture and herding. In comparison to upper castes or the general category, OBCs are communally and academically backwards. OBCs consider themselves to be superior to Scheduled Castes (SC).
However, The Indian Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment maintains a dynamic list of OBCs, with castes and communities added and removed based on social, educational, and economic factors. Conflicts between OBCs and SCs are common.
What is Scheduled Caste?
Scheduled Castes (SCs) are a group of historically disadvantaged people in India who have been formally recognized by the government as a socially and educationally backward class. The term "Scheduled Castes" refers to the list of castes that are considered to be disadvantaged and have been included in the list of Scheduled Castes under the Constitution of India. The Scheduled Castes are entitled to certain affirmative action measures, such as reservations in educational institutions and government jobs, to help alleviate their economic and social disadvantages and to promote their welfare. The list of Scheduled Castes is different for each state and union territory in India, as it is based on the social, educational, and economic conditions of each region.
What is Scheduled Tribes?
Scheduled Tribes, also known as Adivasis or indigenous peoples, are communities that have been designated as "Scheduled Tribes" by the government of India. These communities are recognized as having a particularly disadvantaged socio-economic status and are entitled to certain protections and benefits under the Indian Constitution. Scheduled Tribes are spread across different states in India and have their own distinct cultures, languages, and traditions. They often face challenges such as poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and discrimination. The government of India has implemented various programs and policies to address these issues and promote the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes.
What is Other Backward Class?
Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are a category of socially and economically disadvantaged groups in India who are entitled to certain protections and benefits under the Indian Constitution. OBCs are recognized as being socially and educationally disadvantaged, and they are entitled to affirmative action in the form of reservations in educational institutions and government jobs.
The government of India determines which groups are classified as OBCs based on various criteria, including their social, economic, and educational status. OBCs are not a homogenous group and may include a wide range of communities from different regions of the country. There are over 5,000 communities listed as OBCs in India.
Like Scheduled Castes (also known as Dalits) and Scheduled Tribes, OBCs face challenges such as poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and discrimination. The government of India has implemented various programs and policies to address these issues and promote the socio-economic development of OBCs.
Definition of SC (Scheduled Caste)
In India, Scheduled Castes (SCs) are socially and economically disadvantaged groups that have been traditionally excluded from mainstream society. These groups, which are also known as Dalits, were traditionally considered to be outside the Hindu caste system and were subjected to discrimination and exploitation. The Indian government has implemented a number of affirmative action policies to help improve the socio-economic status of SCs, including reserved quotas for education and government jobs. The list of SCs is determined by the government and is reviewed periodically.
Definition of ST (Scheduled Tribes)
In India, Scheduled Tribes (ST) are officially designated groups of people who are considered to be indigenous to the country and who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized. They are recognized as a distinct social group under the Constitution of India and are entitled to certain rights and privileges, including reservation in education and employment, to help mitigate the effects of past discrimination and to promote their social and economic development.
There are over 750 different Scheduled Tribes in India, each with its own distinct culture, language, and traditions. They are spread across the country and are found in almost every state and union territory. Some examples of Scheduled Tribes in India include the Adivasis in central and western India, the Bodo in Assam, the Gond in Madhya Pradesh, and the Santhal in West Bengal.
STs are classified as a "Scheduled Caste" in the Indian Constitution and are sometimes referred to as "tribal groups." The term "Scheduled Tribe" is used to refer to these groups in the context of affirmative action programs, while the term "tribal group" is used more broadly to refer to indigenous communities in India.
Definition of OBC (Other Backward Class)
In India, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are a group of people who are considered to be socially and economically disadvantaged. They are recognized as a distinct social group under the Constitution of India and are entitled to certain rights and privileges, including reservation in education and employment, to help mitigate the effects of past discrimination and to promote their social and economic development.
OBCs are classified as a "backward class" in the Indian Constitution and are often referred to as "socially and educationally backward classes." They are a broad category that includes a diverse range of communities, including small farmers, agricultural laborers, and artisans.
There are over 3,000 different OBCs in India, each with its own distinct culture, language, and traditions. They are spread across the country and are found in almost every state and union territory. Some examples of OBCs in India include the Yadav in Uttar Pradesh, the Kurmi in Bihar, and the Jat in Haryana.
The classification of OBCs is based on criteria such as social and economic backwardness, and is determined by the Government of India based on the recommendations of the National Commission for Backward Classes.
History of SC (Scheduled Caste)
The term "Scheduled Castes" (SCs) refers to a group of socially and economically disadvantaged communities in India that have been formally recognized as such under the Constitution of India. The SCs are also known as Dalits, which means "oppressed" or "broken" in Sanskrit.
The history of the SCs in India is one of discrimination, oppression, and marginalization. They have faced social and economic discrimination for centuries, and have often been treated as outcasts and untouchables by the dominant castes in Indian society.
The system of caste-based discrimination, known as the caste system, has a long and complex history in India. It is a social hierarchy in which people are classified based on their inherited occupation and social status, and is associated with a rigid system of social and economic discrimination. The SCs are considered to be at the bottom of this hierarchy and have faced discrimination and oppression as a result.
In modern times, the Indian Constitution has recognized the SCs as a distinct social group and has taken steps to address the historical discrimination and marginalization that they have faced. These steps include affirmative action programs such as reservation in education and employment, and the implementation of laws to protect the rights and dignity of SCs.
History of ST (Scheduled Tribes)
Scheduled Tribes (STs) are officially designated groups of people in India who are considered to be indigenous to the country and who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized. The STs are also known as Adivasis, which means "original inhabitants" in Sanskrit.
The history of the STs in India is one of discrimination, oppression, and marginalization. They have faced social and economic discrimination for centuries, and have often been treated as outcasts by the dominant castes in Indian society.
The STs are a diverse group of communities, each with its own distinct culture, language, and traditions. They are spread across the country and are found in almost every state and union territory in India. Many STs live in rural areas and engage in traditional occupations such as farming, forestry, and hunting and gathering.
In modern times, the Indian Constitution has recognized the STs as a distinct social group and has taken steps to address the historical discrimination and marginalization that they have faced. These steps include affirmative action programs such as reservation in education and employment, and the implementation of laws to protect the rights and dignity of STs.
History of OBC (Other Backward Class)
The concept of "Other Backward Class" (OBC) in India refers to social groups that are educationally and socially disadvantaged compared to the general population. In India, the term "Backward Class" has been used to refer to these groups, which are also known as "Socially and Educationally Backward Classes" (SEBC).
The Indian Constitution, which came into effect in 1950, provides for affirmative action for the upliftment of disadvantaged groups, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Affirmative action measures include reservation of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these groups.
The OBC category was created as part of the Mandal Commission report, which was submitted to the government in 1980. The Mandal Commission was established in 1979 to identify socially and educationally backward classes and to recommend measures for their advancement. The Commission identified 3,743 castes as OBCs, comprising around 52% of India's population at the time.
In the years since the implementation of the Mandal Commission report, the OBC category has been the subject of controversy and debate in India. Some have argued that the reservation of seats and job opportunities for OBCs has led to reverse discrimination against other groups, while others have argued that the measures are necessary to address the persistent disadvantage faced by OBCs and other marginalized groups in India.
Benefits of SC (Scheduled Caste)
In India, Scheduled Castes (SCs) are socially and educationally disadvantaged groups that have been historically subjected to discrimination and oppression. The Indian Constitution provides for affirmative action measures to uplift these groups and ensure their inclusion and equality in society.
One of the main benefits provided to SCs is reservation of seats in educational institutions and government jobs. This means that a certain percentage of seats in schools and colleges and a certain number of government jobs are set aside specifically for SC candidates. The purpose of this measure is to ensure that SCs have equal opportunities to access education and employment, and to help address the historical disadvantage faced by these groups.
In addition to reservation of seats and jobs, SCs are also eligible for various other benefits and schemes aimed at improving their socio-economic status. These may include financial assistance for education, subsidies for starting businesses, and access to credit at lower interest rates.
It is important to note that affirmative action measures such as reservation are not intended to be a permanent solution, but rather a temporary measure to address the historical disadvantage faced by SCs and other marginalized groups in India. The ultimate goal is to create a more equal and inclusive society in which these groups are able to fully participate and thrive.
Benefits of ST (Scheduled Tribes)
In India, Scheduled Tribes (STs) are socially and educationally disadvantaged groups that have been historically subjected to discrimination and oppression. The Indian Constitution provides for affirmative action measures to uplift these groups and ensure their inclusion and equality in society.
One of the main benefits provided to STs is reservation of seats in educational institutions and government jobs. This means that a certain percentage of seats in schools and colleges and a certain number of government jobs are set aside specifically for ST candidates. The purpose of this measure is to ensure that STs have equal opportunities to access education and employment, and to help address the historical disadvantage faced by these groups.
In addition to reservation of seats and jobs, STs are also eligible for various other benefits and schemes aimed at improving their socio-economic status. These may include financial assistance for education, subsidies for starting businesses, and access to credit at lower interest rates.
STs living in remote and tribal areas may also be eligible for special schemes and benefits aimed at improving their access to basic amenities such as healthcare, education, and clean drinking water.
