Backward Classes Development Department, Kerala

Backward Classes Development Department is also called as Backward Communities Development Department. Other Backward Communities (OBC), Other Eligible Communities (OEC), and Socially and Educationally Backward Communities (SEBC) are examples of the state's notified backward communities. The department was established to guaranty a more concentrated approach to issues relating to these communities. The department's mandate encompasses the creation of general policies, the planning and execution of welfare programs, the coordination, assessment, and review of the regulatory framework, and development initiatives for the benefit of the notified marginalized populations. Despite making up more than 65% of the state's overall population, the majority of the OBC minority continues to be one of the disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society. 

A Cabinet Minister is in charge of the Department of Backward Classes Development. The administrative head of the department is the Secretary to Government. Joint secretaries, deputy secretaries, junior secretaries, and other clerical workers support the Secretary to Government. The department is responsible for the overall welfare of state's backward classes and the marginalized groups. It comprises classifying and identifying communities as Backward Classes, reserving seats for backward classes in educational institutions, and reserving jobs for backward classes in public services and public sector undertakings. Additionally, the department is in charge of the Directorate of Backward Classes Development, the Kerala State Commission for Backward Classes, and the National Commission for Backward Classes.

Allied Institutions of Backward Classes Development Department

• Directorate of Backward Classes Development

• Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation

• Kerala State Commission for Backward Classes

• Kerala State Development Corporation for Christian Converts from SC and the Recommended Communities Ltd.