Forward caste

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"Forward caste" (or "upper caste") is used in India to denote people from any religion who do not currently qualify for Government of India Reservation benefits (that is, set quotas for political representation) for backward castes, scheduled castes and tribes.[1] The Government of India does not publish a separate list of forward castes. The population of these communities is estimated at around 36–39% of the Indian population based on various conducted by Government of India.[2]

Contents

[edit] Communities

The list of backward castes has many contradictions due to regional variations in the definition.
The list of backward castes has many contradictions due to regional variations in the definition.

Castes that are considered backward in some states may be considered as forward in other states. For example, khatris are a forward caste in almost all Indian states except Tamil Nadu. Jats are considered backward only in Rajastan. The current Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, a Khatri, would be considered as backward caste if he moved to the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Similarly, the Indian Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram, who is from the Nagarathar community would be considered backward if he moved to Kerala.

[edit] Castes considered forward everywhere

[edit] Castes considered backward in some regions and forward in other regions

  • Banias (caste) of Bihar are listed in OBC list [10]. See Sl No 119
  • Jats, mainly concentrated in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat/Rajastan, are only considered as backward in Rajastan.
  • Karuneegars, who are scribes by profession like Kayasthas of North India, are considered backward in Tamil Nadu.
  • Komati Chettiar, mainly found in parts of Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh. One variant of the Arya vaishya caste called Ayira vaishya has been included in the backward caste list in Tamil Nadu.
  • Nagarathar Chettiar mainly found in Tamil Nadu. They are considered as Forward Caste in Tamil Nadu but Backward caste in Kerala and Pondichery.[3].
  • Naidu. Some subcastes of Naidu like Gavara Naidu are considered backward castes in states like Tamilnadu.[4].Variants of Kapu Naidu like Vannekapu,Munnurukapu are considered backward castes in Andhra Pradesh.[5]
  • Chowdary of ANDHRAPRADESH,KARNATAKA
  • Dhangar of Maharashtra are OBC but in Karnataka they are considered as kshatriya and in Open category.

[edit] Other religious people who are not eligible for Reservation benefits

The following proportion of other religious(Non-Hindus) people are not eligible for reservations benefits:[6]

  • 59% of Muslims, mostly of foreign descent ashrafs: Syed, Sheikh, Mughal, Pathan, Bohra.[7] All Muslims are considered backward in Kerala, and separate reservation is provided for them. Most of the Muslims living in south Indian states have been classified as backward.
  • 33% of Christians. In South Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and even Goa, many Christians follow a Hindu caste pattern.

For example, Kerala's Syrian Christians who follow Syriac Christianity, who are believed to be converted from caste Hindus, Ezhavas, Jews and are certainly the descendents of the maritime trade syndicate that had links with Kerala from time imemorial, along with different groups and denominations within Nasrani people fall in the unreserved category. Goan Catholics follow a caste system which generally comes into play when choosing marriage partners. Christian Nadars are a backward caste in these regions. Other Christians like Latin Catholics, supposedly converted from the fishermen in the Kerala coast by the Jesuits, have been included in the list of backward castes in states like Tamilnadu & Kerala.[8].[9]

[edit] Population

Many Political leaders who support Reservation for Backward classes like Mr. Karunanidhi, Dr. Udit Raj, Mr. Ramadoss, etc. estimate the Forward Castes population as anywhere from 5-15%.[10][11] However, they have not quoted sources for their estimations. National sample survey estimates Forward Caste population almost same as Backward Classes at around 36%. Family health survey combined Forward castes population along with all communities of other religions. If you exclude Backward castes of other religions, then it is around 38.6% which is more than Backward castes population. State wise Forward Caste Population can be found from the chart.

NSS 99-00
NSS 99-00

[edit] Economic and educational status

Based on NSS-99-00.Rural/Urban weightages based on 2001 census)
Based on NSS-99-00.Rural/Urban weightages based on 2001 census)
Based on NSS-99-00.Rural/Urban weightages based on 2001 census)
Based on NSS-99-00.Rural/Urban weightages based on 2001 census)

The Government of India does not collect community census data except for SC/ST. Economic and educational level of various social groups are gauged using large sample surveys. The National Sample Survey taken in 1999–2000 and the National Family Health Survey taken in estimated economic, educational, and health indicators of various communities. These surveys were used extensively in the report submitted by the oversight committee.[12]

Currently the reservation proportion stands at 50% in central-government educational institutions and central-government jobs. However, in certain states such as Tamil Nadu, the reservation percentage stands at around 69%.[citation needed]

[edit] Economic status

The 1998–1999 National Sample Survey calculated the economic status of forward communities separately for rural/urban areas in various income brackets. It shows

  • Only 6.4% of forward castes in rural areas appear in upper income bracket with per capita monthly income stands at above Rs 925 per month.
  • 30% of rural population is amde up of forward castes.
  • More than 65% of forward castes per capita income stands below Rs 525 per month.

For urban areas:

  • Only 5.6% of forward castes appear in the upper-income bracket with per capita income at or above Rs. 1925 per month (around US $40).
  • More than 25% of forward castes per capita income stands below Rs. 500 per month (around $10)

[edit] Educational status

Based on NSS-99-00.Rural/Urban weightages based on 2001 census)
Based on NSS-99-00.Rural/Urban weightages based on 2001 census)
    • More than 30% of Forward Castes above 15 years of age are illiterate.
    • Only 8% of Forward Castes are graduates.
    • Around 85% of Forward Castes above 15 years of age have done equal to or below secondary Education (10 Years of Education)

[edit] Reservation for economically backward among Forward Castes

Currently Forward Castes will have to compete only in unreserved category in educational institutions and central government jobs irrespective of their educational/economical status in the society. Significant percentage of Forward Caste population lives below poverty line and more than 30% members of their communities are illiterates. To meet their aspirations, demands have been raised for providing separate reservations for economically poor among Forward castes. Many political parties like Congress, BJP, Samajwadi Party, LJP, Rastriya Janata Dal, Communist Party of India(Marxist), Bahujan Samaj Party[13][14][15][16] have supported proposals for providing separate reservation for poor among forward castes. These parties have more than 400 members out of 542 members in existing parliament and ruling most of the states in India.

Government surveys pointed out that Poverty is widespread in all communities. Indian definition of poverty is living life with less than 0.25 US$/Day(Approx). United nations definition of Poverty is living life with less than $1/Day.[7] More than 65% of Forward castes will be living below poverty line as defined by the UN.[8] Current Indian reservation system gives preference to the super rich among lower castes than people below poverty line in Forward castes. *Sachar committee has indicated poverty details separately for Hindu upper castes.Poverty level of general category among all religions will be still higher.
Government surveys pointed out that Poverty is widespread in all communities. Indian definition of poverty is living life with less than 0.25 US$/Day(Approx). United nations definition of Poverty is living life with less than $1/Day.[7] More than 65% of Forward castes will be living below poverty line as defined by the UN.[8] Current Indian reservation system gives preference to the super rich among lower castes than people below poverty line in Forward castes. *Sachar committee has indicated poverty details separately for Hindu upper castes.Poverty level of general category among all religions will be still higher.

[edit] Timeline

  • 1991: Congress Government headed by Narasimha Rao introduced 10% separate reservation for poor among forward castes.
  • 1992: The Supreme court has ruled in the Indra Sawhney case that separate reservation for poor among forward castes as invalid. Government has withdrawn separate reservation as per supreme court judgement.(Many other verdicts given in same case has been overruled by constitutional amendments like quota in promotions, Exceeding 50% reservations for Tamilnadu, Judgement regarding creamy layer in the same case was not implemented by Tamilnadu so far.)
  • 2003: BJP Government appointed Group of Ministers for suggesting measures for implementation of separate reservation for poor among forward castes. [11]
  • 2004: Task force has been setup to work out modalities for providing reservations to Poor among Forward castes.No information available regarding report submitted by this task force.[12]
  • 2006: Present Congress Government appointed commission to study separate reservation for economically backward classes.[13]
  • 2006: Communist government in Kerala earmarked 12% seats in private professional colleges for economically poor among forward castes.[14]

[edit] Comparison with other communities

Many backward class leaders allege forward castes are over represented in many spheres of life. State and central governments have not released adequate data regarding representation of various communities in their services and admissions to educational institutions.Most of the Private companies in India does not collect data regarding community of their employees.Very few reports are available regarding representation of various communities in Public/Private services and admissions in educational institutions.

Performance of Various communities in Tamilnadu(All percentages rounded off to nearest integer)
Performance of Various communities in Tamilnadu(All percentages rounded off to nearest integer)
  • In Tamil Nadu forward castes have secured around 1.9% of seats in Medical colleges in 2004 and 2.68 % seats in 2005 as against their population percentage of 13%.See Also Caste Based Reservations In Tamil Nadu. This trend of poor representation has continued for the last 10 years as claimed by lawyers in one of the Reservation cases.[15]
    • Narendra committee report in Kerala has pointed out that Forward castes representation in Public services and PSU units is around 36 to 38% which is more or less equal to their population.[16].
    • Karnataka Minister in state Assembly has announced that per capita income of the Brahmins is lesser than all communities including scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.[17]
    • Oversight committee in its final report has indicated that Forward castes are placed better than Backward castes in some indicators and comparable with Backward castes in few indicators and backward castes are superior in some parameters like Health indicators in states like Assam, Maharastra, Haryana, West Bengal, etc.[18]
    • National Survey 99-00 indicates that Forward castes are better placed than SC/ST in almost all parameters. However, in rural unemployment,Forward castes score worser than all other communities.
    • Recently released Provisional report of National Survey 04-05 states that Buying capacity of Backward Classes in rural and urban areas are comparable to Forward Castes. It also revises Backward classes figure as 41%. It also states that Landownership of Backward classes are comparable to Forward Classes. It reiterates its earlier finding(in 99-00 survey) that Forward castes are poorly employed(More unemployment).[19]
Rural landholding pattern of various social groups calculated by National Sample Survey 99-00 indicate that OBC and Forward Castes are comparable in Wealthiness.)
Rural landholding pattern of various social groups calculated by National Sample Survey 99-00 indicate that OBC and Forward Castes are comparable in Wealthiness.)
    • National surveys used rural landholding pattern to assess wealthiness of various social groups. Its findings indicate that OBC and FC are comparable and there is a very minor difference between them. There is a big difference between OBC/FC and SC. Even Scheduled Tribes are placed better than Scheduled Castes. Experts who analysed National survey results point out that other backward classes are near average in many parameters.Please refer chart.[20]

[edit] Shrinking educational opportunities

During Apr 2006, India’s Human Resource Minister announced that 27% seats will be reserved exclusively for candidates from Other Backward Classes in addition to existing 22.5 % reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.[21] This announcement was done when polling process was underway in Tamilnadu and Kerala (States with highest backward caste population in India).[22] Incidentally many opinion polls at that time were predicting rout of ruling UDF alliance in these states.[23](UDF alliance subsequently won in Tamilnadu but lost in Kerala). Election commission reprimanded Human Resources Ministry for making such announcement when election process was in progress.[24]

Sachar committee report indicated that Hindu OBC's enrollment in all educational institutions is close to their populations in the 2004-5 national survey (page 93/425 of Sachar committee report). Union Human Resources minister appointed panel to study about sachar committee recommendations regarding Indian Muslims[9] but did not give his opinion on this subject.
Sachar committee report indicated that Hindu OBC's enrollment in all educational institutions is close to their populations in the 2004-5 national survey (page 93/425 of Sachar committee report). Union Human Resources minister appointed panel to study about sachar committee recommendations regarding Indian Muslims[9] but did not give his opinion on this subject.

[edit] Impact of announcement on forward castes

After implementing OBC reservation, only 50% seats will be available in open competition. All communities can compete in open competition which means Forward castes will have to secure around 72-78% seats in open competition even to maintain their representation as per their estimated population of 36-39% whereas other communities will get major chunk of seats through exclusive reservations. This led to protests from their community members and supporters from other communities under the banner of Youth for Equality. They pointed out following as main reasons for their protests.[25]

    • Government is implementing reservations for more than 60 years for Scheduled castes and Scheduled Tribes whereas social and economical situation has not seen much improvement. It shows reservation in higher educational institutions is not the better way to achieve social equality.
    • Any difference between proportion of different communities in Higher educational institutions is mainly because of difference in primary school enrollment. (This fact was also confirmed in National sample surveys and pointed out by Oversight committee in its final report). Government should attack the cause instead of providing reservation at higher education level
    • Already 24% of college seats are with Other backward classes. Providing another 27% seats will deprive chances of Forward castes.
    • Reservation on the basis of caste is cornered only by rich and affluent. For example daughter of former President of India got admission into Indian Foreign Services denying opportunity to another poor person from her own community.
Certain indian states has Forward castes population of more than 50% or close to 50%.In some of these states,no.of forward castes admitted in educational institutions will be much less than their population even if they secure 100% seats in open competition.)
Certain indian states has Forward castes population of more than 50% or close to 50%.In some of these states,no.of forward castes admitted in educational institutions will be much less than their population even if they secure 100% seats in open competition.)

Interestingly Government of India decided to introduce 27% reservations for other backward classes all over India. Many states does not have even 27% of other backward class population as per national sample surveys.(This includes major Indian states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal).[26].Some Indian states like Assam, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal has more than 50% Forward Castes population [27]which means no. of seats secured by Forward castes will not be equal to their population proportion even if they secure 100% seats in open competition in central government institutions of these states. Central government, however, excluded 27% reservations to other backward classes to the areas with high tribal populations.[28].

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.indianexpress.com/sunday/story/5704._.html
  2. ^ http://mospi.nic.in/rept%20_%20pubn/ftest.asp?rept_id=469&type=NSSO surveys
  3. ^ Kerala Government Website
  4. ^ [1]
  5. ^ [2]
  6. ^ Sachar committee report.
  7. ^ Most Muslims covered by Quota The Times of India. Retrieved on November 27, 2006.
  8. ^ classes/tamilnadu.html
  9. ^ [3]
  10. ^ The Hindu
  11. ^ [4]
  12. ^ MOSPI.NIC.IN
  13. ^ ExspressIndia.com Link 01
  14. ^ ExpressIndia.com Link 02
  15. ^ [5]
  16. ^ [6]
Reservation in India
  Indian caste system | Scheduled Castes and Tribes | Other Backward Classes | Forward Castes   
  Mandal Commission | 2006 Anti-reservation protests | Youth for Equality | Reservation policy in IITs | Poona Pact  
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