Saral Study

The backward classes do not define by the Constitution of India but the backward classes refer to the stratum of people who are educationally and economically less privileged compared to other classes in the society. However, later on, the President established a commission for the welfare regarding the conditions of the backward classes educationally as well as socially under Article 340 which was authorized to investigate the conditions of backward classes by appointing a commission. Structural standards are maintained to the different relationships between the prevailing group and the subordinate in each society and by providing various forms of disparity to the backward classes, these norms act as structural obstacles.

Backward Class and the Constitution

On 29th January 1953 after the order passed by the president, the first backward class commission was held and established under the chairmanship of Kaka Kalelkar, and later on 30th March 1955, the report of the entire country’s 2,399 backward classes and communities were submitted and prepared a list through which 837 groups had been categorized as the “most backward”.

The final reports of these commissions to determine backwardness are recommended as “caste as the criteria” however, the report was declined by the government due to the fear that the caste and communities excluded from the backward classes may not be considered by the commission. Below are the some most notable recommendation which were made by the Kalelkar commission. Let’s have a look at these commissions:

1. In the census board of 1961, the commission undertakes caste-wise enumeration of the population.
2. Treating all women as “backward” as a class.
3. Relating the social backwardness of a class of the Indian society in the traditional caste hierarchy to its low position.
4. Provides 70% seats of reservation of the backward class students qualified in all professional and technical institutions.
5.  Reservation of vacancies of other backward classes in all local bodies as well as government sectors.

Definitional Issues of Backward Classes

There is a list of some definitional issues in terms of backward classes which were raised by the people and the society mentioned below in points.

• The term ‘backward classes’ originally defined since the colonial times due to the lack of any clear definition parameters with including and excluding the group regarding the collection as backward.
• The term ‘backward classes’ remains imprecise even at the time of constitutional drafting and debate took place in the matter of its definition.
• The debates of the Constitutional Assembly in which the ‘backward classes’ term was used in two broad ways: the first usage is the inclusion group needed preferential treatment of all the section of the society and second usage term used was as the “Other Backward Classes”.
• The category of the ‘backward classes’ was not given such preferences as compared to the categories of the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
• The category of the ‘backward classes’ denoted as the unprivileged and marginalized group of people in the society.

Characteristics of the Backward Classes

The backward classes suffer from many disabilities, dishonors, and disadvantages in the society such as social and economic problems, poverty, illiteracy, low status, etc., which they have to inherited as only being born in low tribes or caste. The other group of the society does not accept them due to their lower status whereas the Constitution of India is still silent to define the backward classes in the society.

Structural discrimination faced by the Backward Class People

The structural discrimination faced by the backward classes is explained below in some points:

• In India, the structural discrimination experienced by the backward people is generally based on ethnic identities, caste, color, gender, and class that has adversely affected the life and health of these people living in society.
• Being the member of the backward classes, women also face dual discrimination of specific class, culture, or caste group while experiencing gender issues. The women of this class have given less importance and rights and less control over the resources. They can’t even speak up on the important decisions that are related to their life personally. Moreover, the women of this class have got married at an early age and the women’s health gets unfavorably affected by childbearing.
• The major problem that arises in the backward classes is that the girl child gets married before the age of 18 years which is an officially illegal act done by the backward people as according to the survey conducted in 2002-04 and 2006 as well by the District level Household Survey Department. They highlighted the effects of women’s health by reporting the maternal mortality which is rising higher and trending in India.
• According to the National Family Survey conducted in the year 2000 reports in the ratio of 540 deaths per 10,000 live births which varies between rural to urban sectors of the society, and the death mostly occurs from avoidable causes happens in the backward region of the society.
• Dalits are the caste that does not refer to the suggested group of people who are helpless or poor, or in a state of social disability. In India, which is a caste-dominating country. Dalits are referring to those communities whose Human Rights have been dishonored and disrespected sternly. At earlier times, they were used to be called “Untouchables” as they had lower jobs such as sweeper, scavengers, cobblers, etc.

Other Backward Classes (OBC)

OBC is a specific group of community that qualifies as backward on the common basis of a complex set of educational, economical, and social criteria which is specified by the government of India under the National Commission on Backward Classes (NCBC) to ensure its development towards the society, economic and educational welfare such as in India, the government has provided the 27% reservation in the higher education and public sector employment to the OBCs.

Backward Classes – FAQs

Q1. Are the OBC and BC are same?
Ans. The term OBC stands for Other Backward Classes whereas BC stands for the Backward Classes.  But most of the time the OBC is written as simply BC regarding as the short term generally avoiding ‘O’ due to the purpose of short or fast typing of the fact that Backward Classes itself contains all types of classes which are usually backward in society. Therefore, OBC and BC being different in criteria but both are the same thing.

Q2. How many castes are included in the list obtained by the government of India for the BC? Explain.
Ans. According to the member-secretary of the commission, A Krishnamohan there are 74 castes included in the list obtained by the government of India for BC which includes Telaga, Balija, Kapu, and Ontario communities which takes place under the active consideration of the Andhra Pradesh Commission of Backward Classes (APCBC). This commission has also prepared an integrated detailed study manual survey to depicts the economic, social, and educational backwardness of communities state-wise and submitted the list to the government asking the government to conduct the Smart Pulse Survey (SPS) to determining the economic and social communities backwardness in each state of the country as a precursor to declare the backward classes as a part of any caste.

Q3. Who looks after the backward classes and what comes under these classes?
Ans. The Backward Classes Cell (BCC) looks after the affairs of the backward classes in the Ministry of Home Affairs since 1985 and in the year 1985, the separate Ministry of Welfare was created in which the matters were then transferred to the new Ministry of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Minorities (Backward Classes), and Other Backward Classes. These Ministries look after the planning, implementation, and policy of all the programmes relating to the economic and social welfare of the backward classes people and society.

Q4. What do you mean by NCBC?
Ans. National Commission of Backward Classes (NCBC) is a Constitutional body of India which comes under the Ministry of Social and Justice Empowerment in Article 338B. It consists of 19 members as Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, 3 Members, Secretary, Administration Wings, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretary, Section Officer, Account Officer, Research Wing, Joint Director, 2 Research Officers, 4 Research Investigators. And the Constitutional provision of the NCBC is the prohibition of discrimination in the matter of caste, color, religion, place of birth, gender, or race and providing inequality in the matters of public employment. The other various work has been performed by the NCBC such as preparing annual reports, commission reports, and tour reports of all the surveys done, organizing commission meetings, etc.

Q5. Name some of the castes which are categorized as the Backward classes by the government of India.
Ans. The list consisting the name of some of the castes categorized as the backward classes by the government of India are shown in the table given below.

Vedic Maths has gained a lot of popularity in some of the last years because of its fast and accurate calculations. Calculation is a crucial part of every profession nowadays, and people with fast calculation abilities seems to have special skill, as not everybody has this ability to calculate fast and accurate. Everybody wants to have this skill as it makes people look smarter.

Vedic maths as the name suggests is based on the knowledge gained from our Vedas but not everybody was able to gain the knowledge that has been given our prestigious Vedas as the ancient language is not everybody’s cup of tea. So to make it more simple for common people Swami Bharti Krishna Tirtha Ji Maharaj, who is the Shankaracharya of  Govardhan Peeth, Puri, has given six sutras over which Vedic maths has been set up and it becomes simple for common people to understand it without putting endless efforts.

Now when we say that the information has been taken from Vedas, the question here is which Veda? The answer is “the Atharvaveda”.

Atharvaveda is said to have extreme knowledge of science and mathematics which people are discovering today, but it has been in our Vedas since ancient time. So the Swami Bharti Ji has decoded the information for all of us, compressed it into 16 sutras and presented it for us.

16 Principles (Sutras) of Vedic Mathematic and Sub-Sutra

The main sutras and sub-sutra of Vedic maths are:

Example of Vedic Maths Sutras

Below are the 16 Vedic Maths Sutras example:

Sutra 1: Ekadhikina Purvena

(One is more than the previous one)

This Sutra is very useful and helps in finding the products of the numbers, if the unit digit’s sum of the two numbers totals to 10.

For example; 

 24 x 26 =?
= (first digit x one more than first digit) (product of unit digits of both the number)
= ( 2 x 3 ) ( 4 x 6)
= 624

So, 24 x 26 = 624. 

You see the answer above has come without doing any elaborate calculation.

Sutra 2: Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah

(All from 9 last from 10)

This Sutra is commonly used to subtract the numbers from the power of 10.

For example;
 10000 – 7688 = 2312

Now if we analyse this situation, the last number is 8 and it is subtracted from 10 and the next 8 is subtracted from 9, whereas all other numbers are subtracted by 9 and the result comes out almost orally.

Sutra 3: Urdhva-Tiryagbyham

(Vertically and crosswise)

This sutra is used For multiplication.

Formula used for this sutra is ab × cd =(ac) (ad + bc) (bd) 

The example is given below:

24 x 12
= (2 x 1) (2 x 2 + 4 x 1) (4 x 2 )
= 288

And the answer is 288.

You can see how simple multiplication can become using this sutra.

Sutra 4: Parvaartya Yojayet

(Transpose and adjust)

This sutra is used for division, when the divisor is greater than the power nearest to 10.

Let us see an example using 434\12

The very first thing that we need to see is that the number 12 which is divisor is greater than 10, in that case this sutra can be applied easily. Next we need to check is that how many digits are there in a divisor, this one has two digits so the dividend needs to split into two, 43 and 4, other process is given below;

As shown above, the divisor is written and leaving 1 apart, 2 is taken down as 2 bar, i.e. vinculum 2. The dividend is divided into two parts 43 and 4. 4 of 43 is taken down and to this four, the vinculum 2 is multiplied to get vinculum 8 which is written under 3 of 43. 3 vinculum 8 would be vinculum 5 which is taken down. Vinculum 2 of the divisor is multiplied with this vinculum 5 and the result 10 is written under 4 and totalled to 14.

14 is taken down as it is. Now 45 is a vinculum number because 5 is vinculum. According to Vedic maths rules vinculum, 5 is complemented with 10 to get normal 5 which is taken down. The number next to the vinculum number should be reduced by 1. So, 4 becomes 3 and comes down

And the answer is quotient =35 and remainder = 14 when 434/12.

Sutra 5: Shunyam Saamyasamuuaye

(When the sum is the same the sum is zero)

This sutra is used to solve equations in the forms given below:

ax + b = cx + d
So, x = d – b/a – c
(x+a)(x+b) =(x+c)(x+d)

So, x = cd-ab/a+b-c-d

Some applications

A term which occurs as a common factor in all the terms is equated to zero e.g. : 14x + 9x = 4x + 12x. Here x occurs as a common factor with all terms and hence the value of x according to this sutra is zero.

If the product of the independent term on either side of the equation is equal the value of the variable will be zero, which is the second interpretation of this sutra.

E.g.
(x +8) (x+3) = (x + 12 ) (x + 2 )
8 x 3 = 24 = 12 x 2 and hence value of x in this equation would be 0 

Sutra 6 : Anurupyena-Sunyamanyat

(If one is in ratio, the other is zero) 

This sutra is also used to solve equations. 

Suppose:

2x + 4y = 8
And
4x + 6y = 16, 

The ratio of terms with x = 2x/4x = ½
The ratio of the R.H.S term is also 8/16 = ½
Therefore, the other variable, in this case y = 0

Substituting this value of y in any other of the two equations, we can get value of x

2x + 4(0)=8
2x = 8

Therefore x= 8/4 = 2.

Sutra 7: Sankalana-Vayavakalanabyham

(By addition and by subtraction) 

This sutra is used to solve equations but with a condition and the condition is that if the coefficient of 1 variable is same in both the equations,  irrespective of the signs being used.

Wait, no need to get confused, what it means is that the coefficient of 1 variable in 1st equation should be equal to the 2 variable in 2nd equation and in the same way the coefficient of 2nd variable in first equation should be equal to the 1st variable in second equation. If the condition matches, the equations can be easily added and subtracted.

For example;

4x + 2y = 6………… equation 1 and
2x + 4y = 7 ………….equation 2. 

Now add equation 1 and 2 we get

6x + 6y = 13 or
6 (x + y) = 13 or

X + y = 13/7…………we get equation 3.

Subtract equation 2 for equation 1

2x -2y = -1
2 (x -y ) = -1 or 

X – y = – 1 / 2 …… we get equation 4…….therefore
Y = x + 1 / 2…………equation 5 substitute this in equation 3. 

So we get

X + (x + ½) = 13/7… solving for x, we get
X = 19/7 = 2.71…….

And y = x + 0.5….. from equation 5

So, y = 2.71 +0.5= 3.21

Sutra 8: Purana Purana Byham

(By the completion or non-completion) 

This sutra can be used to solve problems of addition but with a condition, which is; when the unit digits of the numbers add up to 10.

For example;

Numbers 22 and 18 the unit digits add up to 10.

Let try to add 295 + 46 + 28 + 15 + 44 + 22 =?

Now we need to check and number and pair them in such a way that their unit places add up to 10. So….

295 + 46 + 28 + 15 + 44 + 22 =?

Rearrange to put the paired number together.

(295 + 15) + (46 + 44) + (28 + 22)
300 + 90 + 50 = 440.

This happened in easy steps instead of long calculations.

Sutra 9: Chalana kalanabyham

(difference and similarities)

The application of this sutra can be found in calculus to find roots of a quadratic equation and the another application is in differential calculus for factorizing 3rd, 4th, and 5th degrees expression. This sutra finds very specialized applications in the area of higher mathematics.

Sutra 10: Yavadunam

(Whatever the extent of its deficiency) 

This sutra is used to find squares of numbers that are close to the powers of base 10. 

You need to compare the number with the closed base to the number and find the deficiency or excess. After which you need to square the difference of numbers and this is one part of the answer after which you reduce the given number or increase the same by the difference the number has to the power of base 10.

Let us understand this with an example;

Let us try to find the square of 12

12 is near to 10 and it is 2 excess than 10.

1. Square the difference (excess in this case). So 2 x2 = 4….this is the unit place
2. Now add the excess to the number. The number is 12 so 12 + 2 = 14…this is the left part of the answer
3. Combining both of them we get = 144
4. Solving it in equation form
5. 122 = (12 + 2) ( 2)2 = 144

Sutra 11: Vyashtisamanstih

(Part and whole)

This sutra helps in the factorization of quadratic equations.

Sutra 12: Shesanyankena charamena

(The remainders by the last digit) 

This sutra gives you the process of converting fractions to decimals.

For example; 1/29 

1. The last digit of the divisor should be 9. It is in this case, now increase the value by 1 of the number next to 9. So, the number is 2 and increasing it by 1 makes it 3
2. The dividend is 1 now it has to be divided by 3 so,
3. 1 / 3
4. Doing it mentally it will be 0.0 and remainder 1 and it is written as
5. 0.10 and 10 is divided by 3 and it will be written as 3 and remainder 1 written to left
6. 0.1 01 3 now 13 is to be divided by 3 and it will be written as 4 and remainder 1 written to left
7. 0.101314 and keep on dividing it by 3 to as many decimal places as needed. For three decimal places the answer is 0.034

Sutra 13: Sopaantyadvayamantyam

(The ultimate and twice the penultimate.)

This sutra is used to find solution of equations in the following form

1/ ab + 1/ac = 1/ad + 1/bc

Where a, b, c and d are in arithmetic progression

B= a + z
C = a + 2z
D = a + 3z

Solution for such equations is 2c + d = 0

1. g.

1/ (x+1)(x+2) + 1/ (x +1)(x+3) = 1/ (x+1)(x + 4) + 1/ (x+2)(x +3)

Now according to the above sutra the solution would be

2(x +3) + (x+4) = 0
2x + 6 + x + 4 = 0
3x + 10 = 0
X = -10/3

Sutra 14: Ekanyunena Purvena

(By one less than the previous.)

Multiplication problems can be solved using this sutra.

The product of two number can be calculated using this sutra when the multiplier consists of only 9

For example;

12 x 99 = ?

The process to do it is

1. Reduce 1 from multiplicand i.e. 12-1=11
2. The other part of the answer would be 99-11 = 88 (complement of 99)

Hence the answer is 1188

Sutra 15: Gunita Samuchaya

(The product of the sum is equal to the sum of the product) 

This sutra is useful to find the correctness and accuracy of the answers in factorization problems and it states that the sum of the coefficients in the product is equal to the sum of coefficients of the factors and if this condition is satisfied then the equation can be considered to be balanced.

For example; 

let us consider a quadratic equation

8×2 + 11x + 3 = (x+1)(8x+3)

In this case, the sum of coefficients is 8+11+3=22

Product of the sum of coefficients of the factors =2 (8+3)= 2 x 11 = 22

Since both, the totals tally the equation is balanced and correct.

Sutra 16: Gunakasamuchya

(The factor of the sum is equal to the sum of the factors.)

This sutra holds good for a perfect number.

Let us find the factors of number 28,

1 x 28= 28
2 x 14 = 28
4 x 7 = 28

So, in this case, the sum of factors is 1+2+4+7+14 = 28

The sum of factors equals the factor of the sums, so 28 is said to be a perfect number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How is Vedic Mathematics useful?
Ans. Vedic mathematics helps in making one’s calculation more accurate and also helps in speeding up one’s calculation abilities. Having this skill in oneself can automatically boost up the confidence and one do not have to run from the situations where there is any kind of calculation required. 

Q2. Is Vedic Mathematics a part of our education curriculum?
Ans. Vedic Mathematics is not officially included in our education curriculum, but students opt Vedic m mathematics to prepare for certain competitive exams like SSC, RRB, UPSC, IBPS, etc. Because during these examinations students need to have fast calculation skills as there is a limited time for competitive exams and questions are more.

The Backward Classes Welfare Department, a department under the government is serving towards sustainable development of the people who belong to the SC, ST, and Other Backward Classes of different states of India. The Department’s main aim is to improve the quality of life of these socially and economically backward classes and enhance the capability of the people belonging to these communities so that they can be very much part & parcel of the mainstream of society.

Backward Classes Welfare Department – Functions

The main function of backward classes are:

1. Reinforce infrastructure and creation of community assets for integrated development of the backward classes.
2. Progression and implementation of educational schemes including training for improvement of skills in them.
3. Granting caste certificates and implementation of reservation rules in services, posts, and educational institutions.
4. Execution of schemes including income generation schemes for financial upliftment.
5. Cultural and social development of the backward classes.

Constitutional Provisions

• Provisions associating to Socially & Educationally Backward Classes (OBCs).
• Provisions associating to Persons with Disability and the Old.
• Provisions associating to Prevention of Substance Abuse.
• Some General Provisions.
• Twelfth Schedule.
• Eleventh Schedule.
• Seventh Schedule.
• Provisions associated with Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Provisions relating to SCs.

Let’s discuss these provisions below.

[irp posts=”589″ name=”Board Exams All More Tactical Preparations”]

1. Provisions associating to socially & Educationally Backward Classes (OBCs)

The Constitution (One Hundred and Second Amendment) Act, 2018, introduced Article 338B which gives for a Commission for the socially and educationally backward classes to be recognized as the National Commission for Backward Classes. 

2. Provisions associating to Persons with Disability and the Old 

The Persons with Disabilities (Protection of Rights, Equal Opportunities,  and Full Participation) Act, 1995 had come into implementation on February 7, 1996. It is a vital step that assures equal opportunities for the people with disabilities and their full participation in nation-building. The Act provisions for both the preventive and promotional features of rehabilitation like vocational training, research, education, reservation, and employment, and manpower development,  rehabilitation of persons with disability, unemployment allowance for the disabled, special insurance scheme for the disabled employees, creation of a barrier-free environment,  and establishment of homes for persons with severe disability, etc.

3. Provisions associating to Prevention of Substance Abuse 

The Scheme of Assistance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse is being implemented for identification, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of addicts through voluntary and other eligible organizations.

4. Some General Provisions

The State shall not favor against any citizen only of sex, religion, place of birth, race, caste, or any of them.

No citizen shall, on spots only of sex, religion, place of birth,  race, caste, or any of them, be subject to any disability, liability, restriction, or condition about the access to shops, hotels, public restaurants, and places of public entertainment or the use of wells, roads, bathing ghats,  tanks, and places of public resort controlled wholly or partly out of State funds or applied to the use of the general public. 

5. Twelfth Schedule

The twelfth Schedule includes the following:

• Safeguarding the benefits of weaker sections of society, including the mentally retarded and handicapped.
• Slum improvement and up-gradation.
• Solid waste management, public health, sanitation, and conservancy.
• Urban poverty alleviation.

6. Eleventh Schedule

• Education, including primary and secondary schools.
• Technical training and vocational education.
• Adult and non-formal education.
• Health and sanitation, including primary health centers, hospitals, and dispensaries.
• Family welfare.
• Women and child development.
• Welfare of the weaker sections, and in specific Scheduled
• Social welfare including the well-being of the mentally retarded and handicapped 
• Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
• Public distribution system.

7. Seventh Schedule

The list I – Union List

• Manufacture, cultivation, and sale for export, of opium.
• Any other matter not defined in List II or List III including any tax not defined in either of those Lists.

List II – State List

• Intoxicating liquors, the production, purchase, production, possession, transport, and sale of intoxicating liquors.
• Relief of the disabled and unemployable.

List III – Concurrent List

• Vagrancy, nomadic and migratory tribes.
• Lunacy and mental deficiency, including places for the treatment of lunatics and mentally deficient.
• Drugs and poisons, directed to the provisions of entry 59 of List I concerning drugs.
• Economic and social planning.
• Social insurance and social security unemployment, and employment.

8. Provisions associated with Social Justice and Empowerment, as a whole

Prohibition of violated labor and traffic in human beings

• Traffic in human beings and other alike forms of forced labor are banned and any violation of this provision shall be an offense punishable by the law.
• The state shall not make any prejudice on grounds only of religion, race, caste or class, or any of them.

Prohibition of employment of children

• Under the age of 14 years, no child shall be employed to work in any factory 

9. Provisions relating to SCs

Special Provisions relating to certain classes

The President may involve any State or Union Territory, and where it is a State, after discussion with the Governor thereof, by public notification, specify the castes, races or tribes or parts of or groups in castes, races or tribes which shall for this Constitution be deemed to be Scheduled Castes about that State or Union Territory, as the case may be.

Parliament may by law exclude from the list of Scheduled

Castes specified in a notification declared under clause (1) any caste, tribe or part of or group within any caste, race or tribe, but save as previous a notification announced under the said clause shall not be altered by any following notification

Summing It Up!

The Backward Classes Welfare Department serves for the cultural, financial, and social welfare of the person who belongs to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Class (OBC) in the State. It is important to look after the welfare of the most underprivileged sections of the society specifically the Schedule Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Minorities, and the responsibility of leading all-round development of these sections. It intends the effort of the state to continue the plans and programs with greater emphasis so that the Scheduled Tribes, the Scheduled Castes, the Backward Castes, and Minorities could reap the benefit of the programs.

[irp posts=”906″ name=”CBSE Exams Result 2020: CBSE 12th result will come before 10th”]

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is meant by backward classes?
Ans. Backward classes who are economically and socially deprived and face or may have faced discrimination on account of the birth. They typically include the flats the scheduled castes. 

Q2. Who comes under the backward class?
Ans. Backward Classes are those classes of citizens other than the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes as may be defined by the Central Government in the lists prepared by the Government of India from time to time for plans of making provision for the reservation.

Q3. What is the most backward class?
Ans. Communities that were found to be as disadvantaged as the SCs but could not be declared as Scheduled Castes (SCs), because of the non-existence of untouchability factor were classified as Most Backward Classes (MBCs).

Q4. What is backward class A and B?
Ans. The OBC quota is classified into two categories. Backward Classes (A) category, including a majority of groups under the state OBC list, is granted 80% reservation, while Backward Classes (B) category, with dominant groups like Lingayats, Vokkaligas, and Bunts, is granted the balance 20% reservation.

Q5. What are the problems of backward classes in education?
Ans. Depend on some elements of backwardness such as illiteracy and lack of education poverty, exploitation of labor, non-representation in services, and untouchability, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are listed in the Constitution while the third group i.e. Other Backward Class is unlisted.