Representation of the socially and educationally backward classes (SEBC) in India and the Mandal commission for their alleviation.

Author: Rounak Chakraborty

“The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex,
place of birth or any of them.” – says the Article 15 of the constitution of India.1 This provision is significant because it assures that all Indian citizens, regardless of socioeconomic, religious, or ethnic origin, are treatedequally. It forbids prejudice due to the distinction of caste, race, religion, gender, or place of birth. It alsoassures that individuals have equal access to public spaces and resources, encouraging social integration and cohesiveness. In spite of all this emphasis on abolition of untouchability, inequality by stalwarts like Dr.Bhim Rao Ambedkar and others, the constitution of India inscribed certain Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under Section 341 and 342 respectively. As a result of this legislation, a compensated discrimination policy based on reserved positions was introduced at both the national and subnational levels in the allocation of university seats and public service jobs (Galanter 1984).

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