Understanding the Mandal Commission Appointment

The question asks about the government responsible for appointing the Mandal Commission at the Centre. The Mandal Commission, formally known as the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission, was a significant body in Indian history.

Let's look at the options provided and determine which government was in power when the Mandal Commission was appointed.

When Was the Mandal Commission Appointed?

The Mandal Commission was appointed in India on January 1, 1979. At that time, the government in power at the Centre was the Janata Party government.

The Prime Minister during this period was Morarji Desai, who headed the Janata Party government that came to power after the Emergency period.

Purpose of the Mandal Commission

The primary objective of the Mandal Commission was to identify the socially and educationally backward classes of India. This was done to consider reservations and quotas for them in government jobs and educational institutions, building upon the recommendations of the First Backward Classes Commission (Kaka Kalelkar Commission) of 1953.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option in the context of the year 1979:

• Indian National Congress Party: The Indian National Congress was not in power at the Centre in 1979. They lost the 1977 general election following the Emergency.
• Bharatiya Janata Party: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was formed in 1980. It did not exist as a political party in 1979.
• Janata Party: The Janata Party was in power at the Centre from 1977 to 1980. They formed the government after defeating the Indian National Congress. The Mandal Commission was indeed appointed during their tenure in 1979.
• Samajwadi Party: The Samajwadi Party was founded much later, in 1992. It was not in existence in 1979.

Based on the historical facts regarding the government in power in 1979 when the Mandal Commission was appointed, the Janata Party government is the correct answer.

The Mandal Commission Report

The Mandal Commission submitted its report in December 1980. The report recommended 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in addition to the existing 22.5% reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The recommendations were later implemented by the V.P. Singh government in 1990, leading to significant political and social discussions.

Conclusion on Mandal Commission Appointment

Therefore, the Mandal Commission was appointed by the Janata Party Government at the Centre.

Revision Table: Mandal Commission Facts

Additional Information: Impact of Mandal Commission

The Mandal Commission's recommendations and their implementation had a profound impact on Indian society and politics. Here are some key points:

• Reservation Policy: The implementation of 27% reservation for OBCs in central government jobs marked a major expansion of affirmative action policies in India.
• Political Mobilization: The issue led to increased political awareness and mobilization among backward classes, changing the dynamics of Indian politics.
• Social Debate: The report and its implementation sparked intense debates across the country regarding caste-based reservations, meritocracy, and social justice.
• Judicial Scrutiny: The matter went to the Supreme Court, which in the landmark Indra Sawhney & Ors. Vs. Union of India judgment (1992) upheld the 27% reservation for OBCs but introduced the 'creamy layer' exclusion principle.

Understanding the Mandal Commission and its appointment by the Janata Party government is crucial for comprehending modern Indian political history and social policy.