In which year was the first Backward Classes Commission appointed under the Chairmanship of Kaka Kalelkar?

The correct answer is 1953.

Key Points

• The first Backward Classes Commission in India was appointed in 1953 under the chairmanship of Kaka Kalelkar.
• This commission was established to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes and recommend measures for their advancement.
• The commission submitted its report in 1955, which included recommendations for reservations in education and employment.
• Kaka Kalelkar, the chairman, was a noted freedom fighter, educationist, and social reformer.
• The recommendations of the commission were not fully implemented due to concerns raised about the criteria used for identifying backward classes.

Additional Information

• Backward Classes Commission: It is a body established by the Government of India to assess the status of backward classes and recommend policies for their welfare.
• Reservation Policy: A key recommendation of such commissions is the implementation of reservation in education, employment, and politics to uplift disadvantaged communities.
• Second Backward Classes Commission: Mandal Commission was the second such commission, appointed in 1979, which led to the implementation of 27% reservation for OBCs in central government jobs and educational institutions.
• Kaka Kalelkar Report: The report proposed using social, educational, and economic criteria for identifying backward classes but faced criticism for lack of a clear methodology.
• Constitutional Basis: Article 340 of the Indian Constitution provides for the appointment of commissions to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes and suggest measures for their welfare.