of the Indian population is OBC?
The best estimate is about 52 percent of the population. That translates to almost 600 million people. While different surveys have shown variations (as low as 40 percent and as high as 65 percent), the Mandal Commission compiled the most comprehensive data base and estimated the OBC population as about 50 percent. The Mandal statistics have also withstood extensive scrutiny. “Other Backward Classes” comprises mostly lower castes, a few upper-caste communities and some religious minorities (yes, socially and educationally backward segments of the Christian or Muslim communities, for example, do qualify for OBC classification). To put things in perspective, let’s look at India’s overall population distribution: Lower Castes (Sudras): 42-44 percent (≈ 475 million) Dalits (“SC”s): 16-18 percent (≈ 190 million) Upper Castes: 12-14 percent (≈ 145 million) Muslims: 12-13 percent (≈ 140 million) Adivasis (“ST”s):7-8 percent (≈ 80 million) Christians: 2 percent (≈ 22 million) Sikhs: 2 percent
