CleanupBot: Bot: Deleting out-dated template

2026-09-20T14:52:21Z

Bot: Deleting out-dated template

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:22, 20 September 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Short description\|Indian government term for non-disadvantaged castes}}		{{Short description\|Indian government term for non-disadvantaged castes}}
	~~{{pp\|small=yes}}~~
	'''Forward caste''' (or '''General caste''')<ref>{{cite book\|title=The Study of the Impact of Early Life Conditions on Later Life Events\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SNK5oVOpiVUC&dq=Forward+caste+or+general+caste&pg=PA119\|author=Sumedha Gupta\| date=2010 \|publisher=Rozenberg publishers\|page=119 \| isbn=978-90-361-0179-0 }}</ref> is a term used in [[India]] to denote [[Caste system in India\|castes]] which are not listed in [[Scheduled caste\|SC]], [[Scheduled tribe\|ST]] or [[Other backward classes\|OBC]] reservation lists. They are on average considered ahead of other castes economically and educationally. They account for about 30.8% of the population based on Schedule 10 of available data from the [[National Sample Survey Organisation]] 55th (1999–2000) and [[National Sample Survey Organisation]] 61st Rounds (2004–05) Round Survey.{{citation needed\|date=September 2023}}		'''Forward caste''' (or '''General caste''')<ref>{{cite book\|title=The Study of the Impact of Early Life Conditions on Later Life Events\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SNK5oVOpiVUC&dq=Forward+caste+or+general+caste&pg=PA119\|author=Sumedha Gupta\| date=2010 \|publisher=Rozenberg publishers\|page=119 \| isbn=978-90-361-0179-0 }}</ref> is a term used in [[India]] to denote [[Caste system in India\|castes]] which are not listed in [[Scheduled caste\|SC]], [[Scheduled tribe\|ST]] or [[Other backward classes\|OBC]] reservation lists. They are on average considered ahead of other castes economically and educationally. They account for about 30.8% of the population based on Schedule 10 of available data from the [[National Sample Survey Organisation]] 55th (1999–2000) and [[National Sample Survey Organisation]] 61st Rounds (2004–05) Round Survey.{{citation needed\|date=September 2023}}

Hayaat: updated references as per guidelines and added references

2025-12-20T22:34:44Z

updated references as per guidelines and added references

Show changes

>Sumit banaphar: /* Upper caste */

2021-06-11T15:20:50Z

Upper caste

New page

{{Short description|Indian government term for non-disadvantaged castes}}
{{Other uses|Caste system in India}}
{{multiple issues|
{{Cleanup rewrite|date=June 2018}}
{{Update|date=January 2019}}
}}
'''Forward caste''' (referred as '''General Class/General Category/Open Category''') is a term used in India to denote [[caste]]s whose members are on average ahead of other Indians economically and socially. Forward castes account for about 31% of the population based on Schedule 10 of available data from the [[National Sample Survey Organisation]] 55th (1999–2000) and [[National Sample Survey Organisation]] 61st Rounds (2004–05) Round Survey.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sachar |first=Rajindar |title=Sachar Committee Report(2004-2005) |publisher=Government of India |year=2006 |url=http://www.biharanjuman.org/sachar_committee_report.pdf |access-date=2008-09-27 }}</ref>

Those groups that qualify for reservation benefits are listed as [[Other backward class|Other Backward Class]], [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]]. They can avail defined quotas amongst other benefits for education, special government schemes, government employment and political representation. The lists of general, Other Backward class and Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes are compiled irrespective of religion.<ref>{{cite book |author=Gaurang R. Sahay |chapter=Hierarchy, difference and the caste system |editor=Dipankar Gupta |title=Caste in Question |publisher=SAGE |year=2004 |pages=130–131 |isbn=9780761933243 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bgpEIb4tNjgC&pg=PA2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vCQ24WjlwZwC&pg=PA155 |author=Girukamukkalla Savaraiah |title=Rural Banking in India|publisher=Daya Publishing House |year=1988|isbn=9788170350446 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sTS4OO9lcdgC&pg=PA102|title=Social Development and Demographic Changes in South India|access-date=14 June 2015|isbn=9788185880501|last1=Balakrishnan Nair|first1=V.|year=1994}}</ref> The lists are subject to change from time to time, dependent upon social, educational and economic factors.

== Upper caste ==
''General caste'' may be a relative or an absolute term. It may refer to:
* A caste considered "higher" than a [[scheduled caste]] and [[other backward class]]. For example, a newspaper report may term a Rajput as "higher" caste. However, in some regions Rajputs may themselves be considered backward relative to others.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gettleman |first1=Jeffrey |last2=Raj |first2=Suhasini |title='Tell Everyone We Scalped You!' How Caste Still Rules in India |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/17/world/asia/tell-everyone-we-scalped-you-how-caste-still-rules-in-india.html |access-date=20 October 2020 |work=New York Times |date=17 November 2018}}</ref>
* Forward Castes in the context of politics, reservation and castes.
* Ritual status in the [[Varna (Hinduism)|Varna system]].

==Economic and educational status==
{{As of|2007}}, forward castes had to compete only in the open category, as they are considered socially, educationally, and economically advanced. At that time the reservation proportion stood at 50% in central-government educational institutions and central-government jobs. However, due to rigorous demand and the relative financial weakness of the people of the General category, the Government of India introduced another 10% as EWS quota for them which makes total reservation to around 60% . However, in certain states, such as [[Tamil Nadu]], the reservation percentage is around 69%.<ref>[http://news.monstersandcritics.com/india/news/article_1285498.php/Tamil_Nadus_quota_stir_an_assertion_of_its_69_percent%0A_NEWS_ANALYSIS_ Tamil Nadu's quota stir an assertion of its 69 percent? (NEWS ANALYSIS) - India] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120713120153/http://news.monstersandcritics.com/india/news/article_1285498.php/Tamil_Nadus_quota_stir_an_assertion_of_its_69_percent%0A_NEWS_ANALYSIS_ |date=2012-07-13 }}</ref>

==Reservation for economically backward among forward castes==

Before 2019, forward castes were only allowed to compete for seats in the unreserved category in educational institutions and central government jobs, regardless of their educational/economical status in society. A significant percentage of the forward caste lives below the poverty line, and more than 30% of the members of this community are illiterate. To meet their aspirations, demands have been raised for providing separate reservations for the poor among forward caste populations. Many political parties like [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]], [[Samajwadi Party]], [[Lok Janshakti Party|LJP]], [[Rastriya Janata Dal]], [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]], [[Bahujan Samaj Party]]<ref>[http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=67190 Laloo bats for upper caste reservations], ExpressIndia, 5 May 2006. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312130357/http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=67190 |date=March 12, 2007 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=67837 Left strikes a masterstroke], ExpressIndia, 17 May 2006. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311123218/http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=67837 |date=2007-03-11 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2006/06/05/stories/2006060504941400.htm|title=Paswan for quota for economically backward|work=The Hindu|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/08/14/stories/2003081403450900.htm|title=Cong. for 'quota' for poor among forward castes|newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 August 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040317043708/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/08/14/stories/2003081403450900.htm |archive-date=17 March 2004}}</ref> have supported proposals for providing a separate reservation for the poor among the forward castes. These parties account for over 400 of the 542 members in the current parliament, as well as holding power in most states in the union.

===Timeline===
* 1991: Congress government headed by Narasimha Rao introduced 10% separate reservation for poor among forward castes.
* 1992: The Supreme Court has ruled in the [[Indra Sawhney & Others v. Union of India]] case that separate reservation for poor among forward castes is invalid. Government has withdrawn separate reservation as per supreme court judgement. (Many other verdicts given in same case have been overruled by constitutional amendments like quota in promotions, exceeding 50% reservation for Tamil Nadu, judgement regarding creamy layer in the same case was not implemented by Tamil Nadu so far.)
* 2003: BJP government appointed a group of ministers for suggesting measures for implementation of separate reservation for the poor among forward castes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/08/12/stories/2003081206440100.htm|title=The Hindu : GoM to study quota for poor among forward castes|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
* 2004: A task force has been set up to determine modalities for providing reservations to the poor among forward castes. No information available regarding a report submitted by this task force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2004/01/24/stories/2004012402250500.htm|title=The Hindu Business Line: Jobs for economically backward classes: 4-member commission set up|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
* 2004: UPA election manifesto promises quota for EWS.<ref>https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/politics/big-scoop-modi-govt-fulfills-congress-forgotten-manifesto-promise-on-ews-reservation-stumps-party.html</ref>
* 2006: Present Congress government appointed commission to study separate reservation for economically backward class.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/25/stories/2006072514730300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313155223/http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/25/stories/2006072514730300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-03-13|title=Commission for economically backward classes constituted|access-date=14 June 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=2006-07-25}}</ref>
* 2006: Communist government in [[Kerala]] earmarked 12% seats in private professional colleges for economically poor among forward castes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pd.cpim.org/2006/0702/07022006_ragesh.htm|title=The Kerala Professional Colleges Bill And Social Justice|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
Many backward caste leaders allege forward castes are overrepresented in many spheres of life.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}} State and central governments have not released adequate data regarding representation of various communities in their services and admissions to educational institutions.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}} Most of the private companies in India do not collect data regarding community of their employees. Very few reports are available regarding representation of various communities in public–private services and admissions in educational institutions.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}}
[[File:RuralLandholding.jpg|thumb|700px|right|Rural landholding pattern of various social groups calculated by National Sample Survey 99-00 indicate that OBC and forward castes are comparable in wealth]]
* In Tamil Nadu forward castes have secured around 1.9% of seats in medical colleges in 2004 and 2.68% seats in 2005, against their population percentage of 13%. See also [[Reservations in India#caste Based Reservations in Tamil Nadu|caste-based reservations in Tamil Nadu]]. This trend of poor representation has continued for the last 10 years as claimed by lawyers in one of the reservation cases.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Hindu |title=TN Act on reservation under 9th schedule illegal|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/218200610312222.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080523134851/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/218200610312222.htm |archive-date=2008-05-23 |date=31 October 2006}}</ref>
* Narendra committee report in Kerala has pointed out that forward castes representation in public services and PSU units is around 36 to 38%, which is more or less equal to their population percentage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milligazette.com/Archives/2004/01-15Aug04-Print-Edition/011508200494.htm|title=League locks horns with upper castes, The Milli Gazette, Vol.5 No.15, MG109 (1-15 Aug 04)|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
* Karnataka minister in state Assembly has announced that the per capita income of the [[Brahmins]] is less than all communities including scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.rediff.com/news/2006/may/23franc.htm?q=tp&file=.htm|title=Are Brahmins the Dalits of today?|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
* Oversight committee in its final report has indicated that forward castes are placed better than backward castes in some indicators and comparable with backward castes in few indicators and backward castes are superior in some parameters like health indicators in states like Assam, Maharashtra, Haryana, West Bengal, etc.<ref>[http://oversightcommittee.gov.in/ocrep.pdf FINAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE -3.10.2006.doc]</ref>
* National survey 99-00 indicates that forward castes are better placed than SC/ST in almost all parameters. In rural unemployment, forward castes score worse than all other communities.
* Provisional report of National Sample Survey Organisation (2004–05) states that buying capacities of backward castes in rural and urban areas are comparable to forward castes. It also revises backward castes figure as 41%. It states that landownership of backward castes are comparable to forward castes. It reiterates its earlier finding (in 99-00 survey) that forward castes are poorly employed (more unemployment).<ref>{{cite web |title=OBC population has increased: NSSO |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=31 October 2006 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1833012,0008.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070321200246/http://www.hindustantimes.in/news/181_1833012,0008.htm |archive-date=21 March 2007 |quote=The National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) report released on Tuesday reveals that OBC population has increased from 35.8 per cent in 1999 to 41 per cent in 2004-05.... The survey brings out that the OBCs have a buying capacity almost equal to that of the forward communities and more than SC's and ST's.... In rural India, as many as eight per cent of OBCs spends Rs 1,100 or more every month as compared to 11 per cent of the forward communities. |access-date=9 November 2006 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* National surveys used rural landholding pattern to assess wealthiness of various social groups. Its findings indicate that OBC and FC are comparable and there is a very minor difference between them. There is a big difference between OBC/FC and SC. Even Scheduled Tribes are placed better than Scheduled castes. Experts who analysed national survey results point out that other backward castes are near average in many parameters. Please see the chart.<ref>Surjit S Bhalla, [https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/surjit-s-bhalla-obc-the-oh-so-average-indian-106111101030_1.html OBC: the Oh, so average Indian], Business Standard, 14 June 2013.</ref>
* On 7 January 2019, [[Union Council of Ministers]] approved a 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the [[Economically Weaker Section]] (EWS) in the forward castes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/union-cabinet-approves-10-reservation-for-economically-weaker-sections/articleshow/67418734.cms|title=Union Cabinet approves 10% reservation for economically weak among upper caste - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref> The cabinet decided that this would be over and above the existing 50% reservation for SC/ST/OBC categories.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/plea-in-sc-challenges-10-quota-to-poor-in-general-category/articleshow/67642542.cms|title=Plea in SC challenges 10% quota to poor in general category|date=22 January 2019|access-date=25 January 2019|via=The Economic Times}}</ref>

==Shrinking educational opportunities==
{{See also|Affirmative action}}
[[File:FCOC.jpg|thumb|400px|right| Certain Indian states{{which|date=September 2017}} have Forward caste populations of (or near) 50%.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} In some of these states, the percentage of Forward castes admitted in educational institutions will be much less than their population percentage even if they secure all the seats in open competition.)]]{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}
During April 2006, India's Human Resource Minister announced that 27% seats will be reserved exclusively for candidates from Other Backward class in addition to existing 22.5% reservation for Scheduled castes and Scheduled Tribes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/08/stories/2006040814710100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060409133412/http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/08/stories/2006040814710100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2006-04-09|title=Quota for OBCs: "No escape for Government"|access-date=14 June 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=2006-04-08}}</ref>

The implementation of OBC reservation meant that 50% of seats are available in open competition. All communities can compete in open competition which means forward castes must secure between 72% and 78% of the 'open competition' seats in order to maintain their representation in keeping with their estimated population of 36-39%,{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} whereas other communities will get major number of seats through exclusive reservations. This has resulted in protests from Forward caste community members and supporters from other communities under the banner of [[Youth For Equality]] and by [[All India Anti Reservation Front]]. They{{who|date=September 2017}} have pointed out the following as reasons for their protests:{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}
* The government has implemented reservations for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for the last 60 years, and the social and economic situation of these groups has shown much needed improvement.
* Any differences between proportions of different communities in higher educational institutions are mainly because of differences in primary school enrolment. (This fact was also confirmed in national sample surveys and pointed out by oversight committee in its final report). Government should attack the cause instead of providing reservation at higher education level.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}
* Already 24% of college seats are with Other Backward class. Providing another 27% seats will deprive chances of Forward castes.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}

Many states do not have 27% of Other Backward class population, as per national sample surveys. (This includes major Indian states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal). Some Indian states like Assam {{Citation needed|reason=https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.timesofindia.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2019/goa/news/in-states-poll-board-caste-arithmetic-plays-electoral-calculus-in-determining-outcomes/amp_articleshow/68998438.cms|date=August 2016}}, Goa {{Citation needed|reason=Since there is no caste based survey data?|date=August 2016}}, Haryana {{Citation needed|reason=Since there is no caste based survey data?|date=August 2016}}, Himachal Pradesh {{Citation needed|reason=Since there is no caste based survey data?|date=August 2016}}, Uttarakhand {{Citation needed|reason=Since there is no caste based survey data?|date=August 2016}}, have more than 50% Forward castes population, which means the number of seats secured by Forward castes will not be equal to their population proportion even if they secure 100% seats in open competition in central government institutions of these states. Central government, however, excluded 27% reservations to Other Backward class to the areas with high tribal populations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/aug/30quota.htm|title=Reserve 27% seats for OBCs in 3 years: Bill|date=30 August 2006|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>

However, on 7 January 2019, the [[Union Council of Ministers]] approved 10% reservation for the forward castes in government jobs and educational institutions. This group is classified as the [[Economically Weaker Section]] (EWS).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/union-cabinet-approves-10-reservation-for-economically-weaker-sections/articleshow/67418734.cms|title=Union Cabinet approves 10% reservation for economically weak among upper caste - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref> The cabinet decided that this would be over and above the existing 50% reservation for SC/ST/OBC categories.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/plea-in-sc-challenges-10-quota-to-poor-in-general-category/articleshow/67642542.cms|title=Plea in SC challenges 10% quota to poor in general category|date=22 January 2019|access-date=25 January 2019|via=The Economic Times}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of Other Backward Classes]]
* [[Socio Economic Caste Census 2011]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Reservation in India}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Forward caste}}
[[Category:Reservation in India]]

Forward caste - Revision history

CleanupBot: Bot: Deleting out-dated template

Hayaat: updated references as per guidelines and added references

>Sumit banaphar: /* Upper caste */