Caste-Religion Inequalities in Occupational Attainment in Delhi in the 1970s

Abstract

This paper examines caste-religion inequalities in occupational attainment in Delhi in 1975-1976 to determine if Other Backward Classes (OBCs) were disadvantaged vis-a-vis Hindu upper castes on the eve of the establishment of the Second Backward Classes Commission (the so-called Mandal Commission). The paper finds no evidence of bias against OBCs in labour market outcomes at a time when this group did not benefit from reservation policies. Also, after controlling for education and employment-related characteristics, Muslims were not at a disadvantage in entering professional occupations.