Did you know that over two-thirds of Indians identify themselves as belonging to lower castes, including SC, ST, and OBCs?
These social groups are officially designated as among the most disadvantaged socio-economic groups in India. Understanding SC, ST, and OBC full form is just the beginning of understanding this complex social hierarchy in India.
In today’s post, we will be going to explore what these terms mean, their full forms and the benefits they get inside the country So, if you are also curious about India’s caste system and want to learn more about SC, ST, and OBC then keep reading till the very end,
What are SC, ST, and OBC?
SC, ST, and OBC are three social groups in India that are officially designated among the most disadvantaged socio-economic groups in the country. These groups are recognized in the Indian Constitution and are given reservation status, which guarantees political representation, preference in promotion, quota in universities, free education, scholarships, banking services, and various government schemes.
The process of including and excluding communities, castes, or tribes from the list of SC, ST and OBC adheres to specific criteria and procedures established by the Lokur committee.
SC, ST and OBC Full Form
The complete full forms of SC, ST, and OBC are:
- SC – Scheduled Castes: This term refers to the social groups that have been historically subjected to discrimination and untouchability. These groups are considered the lowest in the caste hierarchy and are often referred to as Dalits. The Indian Constitution recognizes 1,108 castes as Scheduled Castes.
- ST – Scheduled Tribes: This term refers to the indigenous people of India who have been historically marginalized and exploited. Till now the Indian Constitution recognizes 645 tribes as Scheduled Tribes.
- OBC – Other Backward Classes: and finally this term refers to the social groups that are educationally and socially disadvantaged but do not fall under the category of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes. The Indian Constitution recognizes 2,479 castes as Other Backward Classes or OBCs around the country.
Difference between SC, ST and OBC
Here is a tabular format explaining the differences between SC, ST, and OBC:
| Category | Full Form | Meaning | Reservation Quota |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC | Scheduled Castes | Social groups that have been historically subjected to discrimination and untouchability | 15% |
| ST | Scheduled Tribes | Indigenous people of India who have been historically marginalized and exploited | 7.5% |
| OBC | Other Backward Classes | Social groups that are educationally and socially disadvantaged but do not fall under the category of SC or ST | 27% |
Benefits of SC, ST and OBCs?
There are various special benefits for the SC, ST and OBCs, Some of which are given below:
- Reservation in Government Jobs and Higher Education: The Indian Constitution recognizes these groups and provides them with reservation status, which guarantees quota in universities, free and stipended education, scholarships, banking services, and various government schemes.
Let us tell you that about 60% of seats are reserved in India for various sections like ST, SC, OBC, and also for EWS with respect to Government jobs and Higher Education Institutions.
- Additional Relaxations: Apart from the reservation quota, additional relaxations like upper-age relaxations, additional attempts, and lower cut-off marks are also provided for these reservation categories.
- No Creamy Layer Concept: There is no concept of a ‘creamy layer’ with respect to SC or ST reservation. This means that irrespective of the income status or the government posts held by the parents, children of SC or ST parents will get SC/ST Reservations.
- Inclusion of OBC: Reservation for Other Backwards Classes (OBC) was introduced based on the Mandal Commission Report (1991). OBCs are now entitled to a 27% quota in government jobs and higher educational institutions.
Conclusion
In the end, we will only say SC, ST, and OBC Full form are abbreviations that stand for different groups of people in India. These groups have historically faced very unfair treatment and disadvantages in society. The abbreviations represent efforts to help these communities by providing them with special opportunities and support. So that those people can also move forward in their lives and make themselves successful.
FAQs:
What is SC, ST, and OBC Full Form?
SC = Scheduled Castes
ST = Scheduled Tribes
OBC = Other Backward Classes
What do SC, ST, and OBC mean?
SC, ST, and OBC are categories of people in India who have historically faced social and economic discrimination. The Constitution of India provides special provisions for these groups to help them overcome this discrimination and achieve equality.
Why is it important to understand about SC, ST, and OBC?
Understanding SC, ST, and OBC is important because it helps us to understand the social and economic inequalities that exist in India. It also helps us to appreciate the diversity of Indian society and to work towards a more equitable future.
How are SC, ST, and OBC classified?
SC, ST, and OBC are classified based on specific criteria and procedures established by the Lokur committee. The Indian Constitution recognizes 1,108 castes as Scheduled Castes and 645 tribes as Scheduled Tribes. The OBC list is extensive and dynamic, and each state has its unique OBC list, which may differ from the central list.
