Other Marginalized Groups

5.1 Other Backward Classes (OBCs)

Mandal Commission (B.P. Mandal, 1980): Identified 3,743 OBC castes constituting 52% of India's population; recommended 27% reservation in Central government jobs and educational institutions. Implemented in 1990 (V.P. Singh government), leading to nationwide agitation. Supreme Court upheld in Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992) with 50% cap.

SEBC Act 2018: Rajasthan's Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act — extends reservation benefits to Gujjars, Banjara, Gadaria Lohar, Raika, and Rebaar communities under MBC (Most Backward Class) category.

OBC Commission: National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) elevated to Constitutional status by 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018 — Article 338B added.

5.2 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)

• Census 2011: 2.68 crore PwDs (2.21% of population)
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016: Replaced PWD Act 1995; expanded disabilities from 7 to 21 categories; 4% reservation in government jobs (3% earlier); 5% reservation in higher education
• ADIP Scheme: Assistance to Disabled Persons for purchase of aids/appliances
• Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat): Physical accessibility in public spaces

5.3 Senior Citizens (Elderly)

• Population aged 60+: ~14.1 crore (10.4% of population, 2021 est.); projected to reach 20% by 2050
• Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: Children obligated to maintain parents; maintenance tribunals in each district
• NSAP (National Social Assistance Programme): Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme — Rs 200–500/month for BPL elderly; Rajasthan Social Security Pension provides Rs 750–1,500/month

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