Aims and Objectives:
Other Backward Classes (OBC) is a collective term used by the Government of India to classify castes which are educationally or socially disadvantaged. It is one of several official classifications of the population of India, along with Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs). The OBCs were found to comprise 52% of the country's population by the Mandal Commission report of 1980, a figure which had shrunk to 41% by 2006 when the National Sample Survey Organisation took place. There is substantial debate over the exact number of OBCs in India; it is generally estimated to be sizeable, but many believe that it is higher than the figures quoted by either the Mandal Commission or the National Sample Survey.
In the Indian Constitution, OBCs are described as "socially and educationally backward classes", and the Government of India is enjoined to ensure their social and educational development— for example, the OBCs are entitled to 27% reservations in public sector employment and higher education. The list of OBCs maintained by the Indian Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is dynamic, with castes and communities being added or removed depending on social, educational and economic factors. In spite of the 27% reservation, RTI data showed that in 2015 OBCs held less than 12% of those jobs (in some departments, OBCs held only 6.67% of the employment under the 27% reservations).
Likewise, in 2015, at educational institutes, funds meant for OBC students under the reservation policy were not used properly or were underused in cases of upgrading infrastructure as well as in violation of faculty recruitment of OBCs according to the 27% reservation policy.
The Backward Classes Division of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment looks after the policy, planning and implementation of programmes relating to social and economic empowerment of OBCs, and matters relating to two institutions set up for the welfare of OBCs, the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation and the National Commission for Backward Classes.
OBC Christians:
The Karnataka State Government has issued notification granting OBC reservation benefits to Brahmin Christian, Kuruba Christian, Madiga Christian, Akkasali Christian, Sudri Christian, Scheduled Caste converted to Christianity, Setty Balija Christian, Nekara Christian, Paravar Christian and Lambani Christian.
The Kerala government grants OBC reservation benefits to Latin Catholics, Anglo Indians and Nadar Christians included in South India United Church (SIUC).
The OBC Concerns Wing will seek to assist the OBCs in their efforts to be empowered socially, economically and spirtually. There are several issues that they face in a given district or a town in their efforts for education, settling in a job and progressing socially and spiritually. The OBC Concerns Wing will keep focusing on the welfare of OBCs, assisting them in whatever way possible in their progress and development. It will keep guiding OBCs to avail the government schemes availabe: http://nbcfdc.gov.in/en/list-of-schemes
Several historical activities have been conducted amongst the OBC communities for their upliftment in their lives be it in terms of education, promotion of their authors and artisans and so on. One example of their spiritual liberator is Mahatma Jyotiba Phule who also had a big impact on the life of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar that became the iconic leader for the Dalits in India. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule had started the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers ) to liberate the Shudras and Ati Shudras and others to seek the truth and not be blindly following the many traditions that cripple them socially and spiritually. His famous book "Slavery" (Gulamgiri) which is credited with anticipating modern ideas such as the interconnectedness of economic & cultural subordination is very well known. In order to make his point, Mahatma Phule takes it upon himself to destabilize certain traditional myths.
It has served as an all time guide for OBCs though it is a necessary reading for all others too dreaming and working for a casteless society. Sathyashodhak Samaj's main objectives were to liberate the Shudras and Ati Shudras and to prevent their exploitation. All the members of the Satyashodhak Samaj were to treat all human beings as children of God and worship the Creator without the help of any mediator. The membership to this society was open to all. Such movements are still in force in many parts of the country to assist specifically in the empowerment of OBCs Socially, Politically, Economically and Spiritually.
NCC OBC Concerns Wing will address specifically their concerns and collobarate with all the other like minded organisations that are in a mission to liberate OBCs and to empower them.
MAJOR ACTIVITIES OF OBC WELFARE WING
Following the example of Shadow Minister appointed by the leader of opposition in some countries’ parliamentary system the NCC National, State and District Wing leaders fulfil the responsibility of scrutinizing (closely examining) the work of the government department and individual ministers. Each Shadow Minister concentrates on the work of a particular minister and a government department. They thoroughly understand the department that they “shadow” and make necessary suggestions and bring up issues that needs to be highlighted. So the NCC OBC Concerns Wing President will follow clearly and thoroughly the Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes, a statutory body in the ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- State OBC Concerns Wing will meet two or three times a year
- One or two major state wide programs should be conducted for bringing together of OBCs.
- The State OBC Concerns Wing President should recommend District leaders of the Wing to the NCC District President who will appoint them for suitable positions in the District OBC Concerns Wing.
- OBC Concerns Wing District Committee will meet twice a year to plan out its individual strategies and programs.
- Events should be planned for the Districts’ OBC people in the areas of sports, empowerment seminars, quiz, competitions etc.
- The State OBC Concerns Wing President or his / her nominee of the OBC Concerns Wing should travel to all the Districts motivating the OBCs to develop and to progress by blending into the mainstream society and by making their mark.
- Issues of importance pertaining to the OBC Communities development should be brought to light and given wide publicity about.
- The Issues faced by the OBC Communities around the State should be brought to the notice of National Christian Council and to the relevant Govt. departments as required.
- The NCC OBC Concerns Wing Office bearers should be in constant touch with the State and Central Commissions for the OBCs Or any official authorities set up for the OBCs by the Government, such as: NBCFDC, etc.
- Network with other Christian agencies that have a focus or a division for OBC Welfare and Empowerment.
- Plan for immediate action where the atrocities on OBCs take place which might include:
- Informing the local police and political leaders.
- Writing to the National Human Rights Commission about each incidence of violence on them.
- To sensitize the Church to accept and integrate the OBC Communities’ believers into the Church membership and also give to them key leadership roles as per their skills and calling.
