There is an inverse relationship between the conditions of the OBCs in India and the dominance of the ruling classes. The latter have consequently deployed counterstrategies to contain the formation, consolidation and assertion of the OBC identity and clout to retain power and dominance. These are a deft mixture of national ‘inclusion’ of the OBCs in the power structures to a crude denial of their due share in different spheres. Therefore, despite constituting the largest chunk of the Indian society, the OBCs do not enjoy commensurate socio-political space, voice and say in the society, polity and economy. Using empirical evidence of a significant nature, this book addresses itself to the complex dynamics of social exclusion of the OBCs. It is divided in two parts. The first part presents the stark reality of ‘exclusion’ of the OBCs in the politico-administrative spheres in a scenario painted generally as ‘inclusion’. The second part examines the self-initiated empowerment endeavours of the OBCs in an environment where the policy regime has not facilitated their efforts. The book is a must read for the students, social researchers, policy, programme designers and the emerging enlightened leadership of the vulnerable sections of the Indian society, especially the numerically preponderant OBCs
ABOUT THE AUTHOR H.S. Verma
Harnam Singh Verma (b. 1942) is a senior sociologist who has worked in such prestigious institutions as the NIRD, Hyderabad (1965-1971), CIDCO Ltd., Mumbai (1971-1974), IIM, Ahmedabad (1975-1977), GIDs, Lucknow (1977-1982) and State Plg Com, U.P. (1982-1993). He has also taught full courses at the TISS, Mumbai as a visiting faculty (1971-72, 1972-73). He was the Member-Secretary-Coordinator of the Expert Committee on Creamy Layer and a Member of the Committee for Fixation of the Percentage of Reservations for the OBCs, both appointed by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 1993. he was a Member, State Commission for the Backward Classes, Uttar Pradesh and a Member of the Working Group on Empowerment of the OBCs of the Tenth Five Year Plan. He has authored/co-authored/edited /co-edited nine books, written two dozen monographs, contributed thirty pieces to books edited by others and published 44 research papers in prestigious national and international journals. Social Change in Rural Areas, Industrial Families in India: An enquiry in to nature of their entrepreneurship, Bombay, New Bombay and Metropolitan Region: Growth process and Planning lessons, The OBCs and the ruling classes in India, and The OBCs and the dynamics of social exclusion in India are some of his books that are rated as classics. He has been working on the OBCs for the last 14 years.
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