Why in News?

Jharkhand has completed the data collection process to determine reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), complying with the Supreme Court-mandated “triple test” criteria.

This marks a significant step in implementing constitutionally valid OBC reservations in urban governance.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• What is the “Triple Test”?
• Progress in Jharkhand
• Survey Methodology and Scope
• OBC Population in Jharkhand
• Conclusion 

What is the “Triple Test”?

• About: The “triple test” is a legal framework laid down by the Supreme Court in Vikas Kishanrao Gawali vs State of Maharashtra (2021) to ensure that OBC reservations in local bodies are fair, evidence-based, and within constitutional limits.
• It comprises three steps:
  • Constitution of a dedicated commission: A body tasked with conducting a rigorous empirical inquiry into the backwardness of OBCs in local bodies.
  • Recommendation-based reservation: Determining quantum of reservation based on the commission’s findings to avoid arbitrary or excessive quotas.
  • Reservation ceiling: Ensuring that total reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs does not exceed 50% of the total seats in local bodies.

Progress in Jharkhand:

• Establishment of OBC Commission:
  • The Jharkhand OBC Commission was constituted in June 2023.
  • Commission members studied Madhya Pradesh’s implementation of the triple test as a model.
• Data collection timeline: Data collection completed (between December 2023 - March 2024) and submitted (recently, several districts missed their submission deadlines) to the Commission.
• Verification and analysis:
  • Data will be handed to empanelled institutions like IIM, Xavier School of Management (XLRI) and Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS) for socio-economic and educational analysis.
  • A final report will be submitted to the state government post-verification. Based on which, Jharkhand will determine OBC quotas in the 48 ULBs across the state.
• Administrative bottleneck: The Chairperson's post is vacant, and the report cannot be officially submitted without their approval.

Survey Methodology and Scope:

• A door-to-door survey identified OBC voters and their population share in urban areas only.
• Focused on:
  • Political representation in urban local bodies in Jharkhand over the last 25 years.
  • Caste-wise data of elected representatives (MPs, MLAs, Mayors, Panchayat members).
  • Historical data of winners from general seats in the last two ULB elections.
• Not a caste census: Unlike the all-India caste census, this is urban-specific and focused on ULB quota eligibility.

OBC Population in Jharkhand:

• OBCs constitute ~50% of the state’s population.
• Subdivided into:
  • BC-I (Backward Class I): More socially and educationally backward; includes 127 castes.
  • BC-II (Backward Class II): Relatively better-off; includes around 45 castes.
• Kudmi community (a subgroup of the Mahato caste) is the largest OBC group, accounting for 15% of the electorate.

Conclusion:

Successful implementation of the Triple Test in Jharkhand could set a precedent for other states to follow in ensuring constitutionally valid and data-driven OBC reservations in local governance.

This process not only strengthens grassroots democracy but also enhances the inclusivity and representational equity of India’s urban political landscape.