OBC, SC/ST Communities Under-Represented in Civil Services

It is said that if ever social change will be in favour of the general public, the struggle to get socio-economic rights for the deprived communities will continue. The story of Hindustan is somewhat more sinister because here the deprived sections of the population belong to the lower castes, a system that is allowed in some Hindu religious texts. The caste system has taken such deep roots in our political and social mindset that caste-based discrimination is seen openly in every aspect of life.

Against this backdrop, some startling figures have emerged showing that the representation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in appointments to direct All India Services in the past five years are in a very sorry state.

According to the data presented in Parliament, 15.92% of OBCs, 7.65% of SCs and 3.80% of STs are given representation, respectively, while the percentage of these communities in the population is nearly half. Such low representation clearly shows serious discrimination on the basis of caste.

The above information was received in response to question no.2686 in Rajya Sabha, raised by John Brittas, a member of Parliament belonging to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M).

 The MP from Kerala had asked for:

“The details of the number of appointments made directly to the All India Services during the last five years; And the details of how many members of Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were appointed in these appointments in the last five years provide details.”

In the reply given by minister of state Jitendra Singh, on behalf of the government, the House was informed that in the past five years, in terms of direct appointments in All India Services, a total of 2,163 appointments have been made for Indian Administrative Services, 1,403 for Indian Police Services and 799 for Indian Forest Services. Of these, 334 (7.65%) were recruited for SCs, 166 (3.8%) for STs and 695 (15.92%) for OBCs. While there is a provision of 15% reservation for SCs, 7.5% for STs and 25% for OBCs in case of direct recruitment.

It is not that there are no worthy representatives within these communities, as is often perceived. But it is the feudal and caste mentality that is preventing the deprived sections from getting their due in society. The dream of social justice will not be fulfilled until the deprived and backward sections of society are given their due rights. And it all can be started by fully implementing the reservation scheme in government jobs.

The writer is an independent journalist based in Delhi.