India, April 10 -- April 13 marks the death anniversary of Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal, who passed away in 1982. Mandal chaired the commission whose report laid the foundation for reservations for Other Backward Classes. The Mandal recommendations transformed the country's administrative framework as well as its social and political structures. The anniversary of his passing is, therefore, a moment to reflect on how far we have come, and how far we still need to go.

The idea of ensuring representation for backward communities is rooted in many pre-Independence reform movements. In 1902, Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur introduced 50% reservation in administrative services, and in 1921, the Madras Presidency adopted similar measures. The Kaka Kale...