Caste was used as the sole criterion and unit for determining backwardness and for the classification of backward classes. The position of a caste as higher, lower or superior/inferior was made the basis of defining backwardness.

No attempt was made to identify the ‘backward individuals’ of a caste group. In the view of the commission, real social equality could be achieved in India only by eliminating caste distinctions and social discrimination. The evil§ of the caste system could be attacked only by taking caste into account. However, the other view is that the individual and family should be treated as the basis of backwardness.