The Mandal Commission was established in India in 1979 to identify socially and educationally backward classes (SEBC) and recommend measures for their advancement. Chaired by B.P. Mandal, the commission aimed to address the historical injustices faced by these communities by suggesting a reservation of 27% in government jobs and educational institutions for them. The commission's report, released in 1980, sparked significant debate and protests across the country. While it aimed to promote social equity, its recommendations led to widespread opposition from various groups, particularly among the upper castes, who felt threatened by the proposed reservations. The implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendations in the 1990s marked a pivotal moment in India's affirmative action policies.