Introduction
The idea of social justice in India is deeply rooted in the Constitution. Article 340 provides the framework for identifying and uplifting the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs). The most notable implementation of this article came through the Mandal Commission, whose recommendations reshaped India’s political and social landscape.
For UPSC aspirants, this topic holds high importance under Polity, Governance, and Indian Society.
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What is Article 340 of the Indian Constitution?
Article 340 empowers the President of India to:
1. Appoint a Commission to investigate the conditions of the socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs).
2. Recommend measures for their advancement.
3. Present the Commission’s report before Parliament with an action-taken statement.
This article provides the constitutional basis for setting up backward class commissions such as the Kaka Kalelkar Commission (1953) and the Mandal Commission (1979).
Focus Keyword: Article 340 of Indian Constitution UPSC
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Historical Background: Journey Towards the Mandal Commission
1. Pre-Independence Efforts
British colonial policies introduced communal representation and caste-based reservations in provinces like Madras.
The Government of India Act, 1935 formally recognized “depressed classes” and minorities.
2. Post-Independence Developments
Article 15(4) and Article 16(4) (First Amendment, 1951) allowed special provisions for SEBCs.
The First Backward Classes Commission (Kaka Kalelkar Commission, 1953) identified 2,399 backward castes but its recommendations were rejected due to the preference for economic criteria over caste.
3. Growing Backward Class Mobilization
The 1960s–70s saw the rise of OBC political movements, demanding representation in education and government employment.
This social pressure led to the formation of the Second Backward Classes Commission under Article 340.
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The Mandal Commission (1979)
Formation and Objective
Established: 1 January 1979
Chairman: B.P. Mandal
Constituted by: Janata Party Government (Morarji Desai)
Legal Basis: Article 340 of the Constitution
Mandate: Identify the socially and educationally backward classes and suggest measures, including reservation in government jobs and education.
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Criteria Used by the Mandal Commission
The commission developed 11 indicators grouped into three categories:
Social Indicators (Weightage 3 each)
Caste considered socially backward by others.
Dependence on manual labour.
Low representation in elite occupations.
Educational Indicators (Weightage 2 each)
Low literacy and high dropout rates.
Low proportion of matriculates and graduates.
Economic Indicators (Weightage 1 each)
Low family income.
Poor housing and consumption standards.
High indebtedness.
📊 Finding: Identified 3,743 castes as OBCs, constituting around 52% of India’s population (based on 1931 Census data).
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Major Recommendations of the Mandal Commission
1. 27% Reservation in central government services and public sector undertakings for OBCs.
2. Extension of reservation to educational institutions.
3. Introduction of economic and educational welfare schemes for OBCs.
4. Creation of a permanent commission to monitor OBC welfare.
5. Periodic revision of the OBC list.
Focus Keywords: Mandal Commission UPSC, OBC reservation in India, social justice in Constitution
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Implementation of the Mandal Commission Recommendations
The report was submitted in 1980, but remained unimplemented until Prime Minister V.P. Singh announced its enforcement on 7 August 1990.
This decision sparked widespread protests, especially among urban students, due to fears over reduced general category opportunities.
Judicial Review: Indra Sawhney Case (1992)
Case Name: Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (1992) — Popularly known as the Mandal Case.
Supreme Court Verdict:
1. Upheld 27% reservation for OBCs under Article 16(4).
2. Introduced the “creamy layer” concept to exclude affluent OBCs.
3. Imposed a 50% ceiling on total reservations (except in special circumstances).
4. Ruled that economic criteria alone cannot determine backwardness.
This judgment became a cornerstone of reservation jurisprudence in India.
Impact of the Mandal Commission on Indian Society and Politics
1. Political Impact
Triggered a new phase of OBC politics, leading to the rise of regional leaders and parties (SP, RJD, JD(U)).
Changed the social composition of Indian politics and bureaucracy.
2. Administrative Impact
Enhanced representation of OBCs in public services and educational institutions.
Initiated a shift in administrative diversity but also fueled debates on merit and equality.
3. Social Impact
Strengthened the principle of social justice and inclusive development.
Sparked national debates on caste-based vs economic-based reservations.
Later developments like the 102nd Constitutional Amendment (2018) and the creation of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).
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Relevance for UPSC Preparation
Prelims Focus:
Article 340
Kaka Kalelkar Commission (1953)
Mandal Commission (1979)
Indra Sawhney Case (1992)
Mains Focus (GS Paper 2 – Polity & Governance):
“Discuss the constitutional basis of reservation policy in India with reference to Article 340.”
“Critically examine the social and political impact of the Mandal Commission.”
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Conclusion
The Mandal Commission, empowered by Article 340, marked a decisive shift in India’s pursuit of social equality. Its recommendations institutionalized the representation of backward classes and redefined the contours of governance. While debates continue over the extent and nature of reservations, the Mandal legacy remains a cornerstone of India’s affirmative action policy and inclusive democracy.
