Question

Explain any two recommendations of the Mandal Commission made in 1980.

Hint:

The Mandal Commission was set up in 1979 and gave its report in 1980. Its main recommendations were 27 percent reservation for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions, and land reforms.

Answer 1

Step 1: About the Commission:
The Second Backward Classes Commission was set up in 1979 under B. P. Mandal. It studied the condition of socially and educationally backward classes (OBCs).
It submitted its report in 1980. Two of its recommendations are explained below.

Step 2: Recommendation 1 - 27 percent reservation:
The Commission found that OBCs were poorly represented in government services and higher education.
It recommended that 27 percent of the seats in government jobs be reserved for OBCs.
It also recommended the same 27 percent reservation in educational institutions. Together with the quota for SCs and STs, this took reservation close to 50 percent.

Step 3: Recommendation 2 - Land reforms:
Most backward class families worked on land as labourers or small farmers.
The Commission recommended land reforms so that these families could get land and improve their income and status.

Final Answer:
Two recommendations of the Mandal Commission are 27 percent reservation for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions, and land reforms to help backward classes.