essay on advantages and disadvantages of reservation system in india

The Great Indian Reservation System – Understanding its Past, Present and Solutions

From Current Affairs Notes for UPSC » Editorials & In-depths » This topic

The Supreme Court, while looking into the constitutional validity of the Maratha reservation, mentioned that it will examine whether the landmark 1992 judgement in Indra Sawhney v Union of India case requires to be revisited. The potential reconsideration of the 11-judge ruling, popularly known as the Mandal case, could change the structure of reservations that has been in existence for decades.

This topic of “The Great Indian Reservation System – Understanding its Past, Present and Solutions” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination , which falls under General Studies Portion.

What is the reservation?

• Reservation is the process of facilitating people in education, scholarship, jobs etc. that were faced with historical injustice.
• Reservation is the form of quota-based affirmative action.
• Reservation is governed by constitutional laws, statutory laws, and local rules and regulations.
• Reservation system in India constitutes a number of initiatives like reserving access to seats in the legislatures, to government jobs and to enrolment in higher educational institutions.

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Why reservation?

• The reservation is undertaken to resolve the historic oppression, inequality , and discrimination suffered by those communities and to give them a place.
• It is meant to achieve the promise of equality enshrined in the constitution.
• The main objective of the reservation system in India is to improve the social and educational status of underprivileged communities and thus improve their lives.

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What is the historical background?

• The reservation system in India dates back to the 2 nd century B.C. where the upper class enjoyed some added privileges.
• The idea of a caste-based reservation system was originally conceived by William Hunter and Jyotirao Phule in 1882.
• This made a provision for separate electorates for Muslims, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans, and the Dalits.
• The communal award was opposed by Mahatma Gandhi , whereas, B.R. Ambedkar supported it.
• To address the situation, Poona Pact was signed. According to this, the country would have a single Hindu electorate, with seats reserved for Dalits.
• In the 1990s, the recommendations of the Mandal Commission were implemented in government jobs. (Click here to refer Fundamental rights mind map).

What are the constitutional provisions related to the reservation?

• Reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in federal and state legislatures.
• The constitutional authority of the President to set up commissions to assess and suggest remedies for the welfare of SC and ST sections.
• Article 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution – extends benefits of reservation to socially and educationally backward classes.

Why reservation demand has been growing rapidly?

• Agriculture crisis : The Jats in Haryana, Patels in Gujarat and Kapus in Andhra Pradesh believe that reservations provide a solution to the rural distress faced by them especially the crisis in agriculture.
• Unemployment : is also one of the major factors influencing the demand for reservation.
• Privilege: The agitation for reservation also arises from the fear of losing privilege and the inability to cope with change.
• Salaries and Wages: Wages in the private sector are much lower than in the public sector. Salaries of government jobs are most attractive at the entry-level.
• Demands of Upper castes: Previously advantaged castes like Brahmins, Chettiars, and Rajputs have begun to feel severely disadvantaged as they don’t get any quotas even if they are economically disadvantaged. Thus they want to integrate the economically disadvantaged groups among them in the reserved category.

What are the arguments in favour of reservation?

• Historical injustice: Caste based reservation is a necessity in India because of historical negligence and injustice caused to those backward communities.
• Level Playing field: Reservation provides a level playing field as it is difficult for the backward sections who were historically deprived of education, skills, and economic mobility to suddenly start competing with those who had access to those means for centuries.
• Meritocracy Vs Equality: Meritocracy is important, however, it will have no meaning without equality. The caste-based reservation also minimized the gap between upper and lower castes to a great extent.
• Administration quality: A study revealed that reservations have not affected the efficiency of administration, but enhanced quality. The best example is the Indian Railways in which the SC/ST employees comprise more in number, and the results have been better.

What are the arguments against reservation?

• The majority of lower castes have stepped up the social ladder and are now on an equal status compared to the general population. Hence, there is no need for reservation anymore.
• A reservation only provides a limited and short-term solution to the historical injustice issues.
• Reservation is obviously a tool to address social and educational backwardness, however, it does not have solutions for all social and economic ailments. There are much better and innovative ways to solve those issues. However, reservation prevents the leadership to come up with viable solutions.
• As the reservation grows larger, it becomes a mechanism of exclusion rather than of inclusion. Because, nowadays, the previously advantaged communities have becoming disadvantaged to a large extent due to the reservation conundrum. Many upper castes are still plagued by poverty and illiteracy. Why equality and justice don’t work for them?
• Reservation brings down the economic growth rate of the country as it reduces the efficiency of its labour.
• Reservation agitations may cause social unrest as it was at the time of the Mandal Commission (1990).

What are the concerns/challenges in the reservation system?

• Castes that should be actually benefitted are not being benefitted, instead, others are reaping the benefits of the reservation system.
• The reservation system has just become an instrument for politicians to gain vote banks.
• Agitation for reservation resulted in several deaths, affected transport and the loss of many working days in schools and workplaces. Example- Jat agitation in Haryana.
• One community after another will start demanding reservations due to the success of others. Many of these communities are politically and economically sound and hence placing the whole community in the reservation system is unethical.

What is the Court’s stand on the reservation?

• In Indira Sawhney Judgement 1992, the Supreme Court declared that the total reservation for SC/ST and other backward classes or special categories should not exceed 50%. Therefore the decision by the Maharashtra government after passing the law is likely to be challenged before the court.
• In 2014, the then Maharashtra government had granted 16% reservation for the Marathas. But the reservation was stayed by the Bombay High Court.
• In 2017, the Supreme Court had said quota in jobs and education in Rajasthan has exceeded the 50% limit and it cannot be increased further.
• Moreover, the petition challenging the Tamil Nadu reservation policy is pending before the Supreme Court.

What are the solutions?

• Reservations based on caste and not on the basis of the economic condition are unethical and unacceptable.
• Fair and just reservations should be provided to uplift the people with poor conditions of life, those who don’t have meals to eat, clothes to wear, and no home to live in.
• They shall be made on the basis of factors such as gender (as women are more disadvantaged than men since primitive times), domicile, family education, family employment, family property, family income and if any disabilities and traumas.
• The process of the reservation should be such that it filters the truly economically deprived individuals and bring them all to justice.
• Provide an opportunity for students to earn while they study.
• Bring about revolutionary changes in our education system at the grass-roots level to improve education quality. Because reservation at subsequent stage will never be of any use if quality education hasn’t been provided to children at the primary stage.

Thus reservations are the exact opposite of development and equality. We don’t require reservations based on castes or religion but only to actually provide support to those who have fewer resources, and merit should be provided equal and due importance in admission procedures as well employment opportunities. This way we would be successful in eliminating caste discrimination and unite the economically rich together in supporting the economically poor, regardless of their castes. As Justice Ravindran in the Ashok Kumar Thakur vs Union of India case rightly said, “when more people aspire for backwardness rather than of forwardness, the country itself stagnates”.

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Good attempt. Better track a record of SC shaping Law pertaining to Reservation in higher education u/15 (4). Progress be compartmentalize in SC judgements in a slot of every 20 years. Give readers citations only. From Champkam Dorairajan till latest. However, appreciate your excellent narration.

good ! and there were more info’s about the reservation!

Very nice article, crisp and powerful, included all possible areas and provisions. Thank you

reservation boon or bane

Wow ! what an eye opening essay about reservation and the attempt to highlight the flaws of reservation are fantastic . Yes we need Reservations based on financial status of people not on the basis of caste

Most SCs (99%) will also qualify for the reservation under financial status.

May all of the new generation read this article so that they can introduce a change into our society…

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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Reservation System In India

There have been endless discussions and analysis already about the reservation system in India. The system, often called or known as positive discrimination, has been debated and argued for decades. On the outset, one may take a very judgmental point of view about the matter, but a deeper inspection can offer several points. The system that was started for the welfare of the marginalized parts of the society has been in practice for decades. The primary aim for this practice was for their development in education, job and political arena. As the system carried both advantages and disadvantages, here we will be talking about both.

In This Article

Advantages of Reservation System in India

The Indian reserve system has addressed previous wrongs and promoted social equity. This empowerment program has improved education, employment, political representation, and social cohesion for SCs, STs, and OBCs. This article discusses how the reservation system fosters social justice, political representation, educational advancement, economic empowerment, diversity, and social cohesion.

1. Historical Background:

Indian history has been characterized by prejudice, marginalization, and persecution of SCs, STs, and OBCs. Prejudice affects education, employment, and politics. Given these inequities, the reservation system was designed to offer equal opportunities and correct past wrongs.

2. Promotion of Social Justice and Equality:

Reservation promotes social justice and equality, its fundamental advantage. The system offers SCs, STs, and OBCs a certain number of seats and jobs, allowing them equal access to previously unreachable opportunities. These communities have advanced in education, employment, and politics.

3. Representation in Politics:

Reservation policies greatly increase political representation for underrepresented groups. SCs and STs serve in national and state legislatures. This affirmative action ensures these communities’ voices are heard in key decisions. Political diversity and inclusivity improve decision-making by being thorough and empathetic.

4. Educational Upliftment:

Reservation policies have greatly improved schooling for poor communities. Reserved school seats offer kids hope. Socioeconomic constraints prevented them from taking further education and professional courses. Education breaks the cycle of poverty and advances society.

5. Economic Empowerment:

Economic empowerment is another reserve benefit. Public sector employment reservations have offered impoverished populations stable work. Financial stability boosts living standards, healthcare, education, and life quality. Economic empowerment boosts individuals and the economy.

6. Diversity and Social Cohesion:

Indian society is more diverse and integrated due to reservation laws. These rules allow varied groups to interact, shattering caste prejudices. Peace and fairness need inclusion and variation in all spheres of life. The reservation system has united society.

Indian reserve has corrected past wrongs and promoted equity. Benefits include political representation, educational development, economic empowerment, and a more diverse and cohesive community. Reservations enable minority groups survive despite their limitations. Recognizing and using these advantages would make India more equitable and inclusive.

Disadvantages of Reservation System

Indian reservations gave historically disadvantaged groups social justice and equality. The system faces criticism and challenges like others. This article examines reservation system issues such reverse discrimination, creamy layer, quality-quantity trade-off, community splits, and reserve politics.

1. Reverse Discrimination:

Reservations are sometimes criticized for reverse discrimination. Reserved quotas arbitrarily exclude talented individuals from diverse groups from education and employment, say critics. Societal animosity and discontent abound. Reservations aim to heal historically disadvantaged communities but may unfairly exclude good individuals.

2. Creamy Layer Issue:

The “creamy layer” notion involves wealthy protected group members who profited from reserve. Critics say reserve payments should only go to the poorest since the creamy layer benefits, causing inequality. Solve the creamy layer problem to get reservations to people who need them.

3. Quality vs. Quantity:

The reservation system may value quantity above quality in education and job. Lowering reserved category eligibility limits may allow less-qualified people to work, lowering sector competence. Policymakers strive to balance quantity and quality.

4. Division Among Communities:

Reservations may aggravate community differences, despite their intended purpose of promoting social fairness. Social stability is endangered by caste fighting over reserved seats. Communities may be divided by reservations.

5. Politicization of Reservation:

Reservation regulations have helped politicians win votes. Politicization may lead to poor execution and a concentration on short-term benefits above disadvantaged groups’ long-term prosperity. Reservations should prioritize social justice above politics.

6. Ideas for fixing problems:

Though flawed, the reservation system has helped the needy. Policymakers may benefit from these suggestions:

7. Needs-Based Reservation

Need-based reservation should include income and caste. This may assure reservations support the poor while fixing the creamy layer.

8. Worthy Approach

Apply merit-based selection in restricted areas to guarantee applicants and personnel satisfy academic or professional criteria. It maintains education and labor quality.

9. Sensitization Programs

Community awareness fosters peace. Discuss and cooperate instead of arguing.

10. Depoliticization

Establish separate policymaking and execution entities to depoliticize reserves. This may improve impartiality and lifetime.

11. Periodic Review

Review reservation rules regularly to examine and alter them. This allows the system adapt to society. Indian reserve promotes social fairness and equality, but it must improve. Reverse discrimination, the creamy layer issue, quality vs. quantity, community divides, and reserve politicization, all these need serious remedies. Need-based reservation, merit-based approach, sensitization, depoliticization, and periodic reviews may help policymakers create a fairer, more effective reservation system that serves people.

The Contradictions

There are ample complications in this multifaceted policy of the reservation policy. Properly following the pros and cons of the policy is essential. It is true that this policy has been successful in dealing with the issues of inequality and historical injustice. But on the other hand, high criticism has also come forth due to the process of reverse discrimination or the creamy layer problem. These issues are equally problematic just as its advantages. It is important to keep in mind that we are all progressing towards an equitable society. So it is essential to put the already running policies under review and reform them as and when needed. The relevancy and usefulness of these policies are of the need of the hour. It is true that keeping a proper balance between maintaining merit based selection and providing proper options to the marginalized people is a very tricky task. But such reviews are essential when it comes to maintaining a proper social progress.

Lastly, we can all agree on the fast that the main purpose of the reservation policy if to offer proper options to the disadvantaged society. However, it is essential to keep an eye over the execution of the policy, otherwise, it can turn discriminatory. Then there will stay the success of the process.

Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.

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Indian Reservation System, Critical Analysis, Pros and Cons

India's reservation system, rooted in the country's age-old caste system, aims to provide equitable access to government jobs, educational institutions, and legislatures.

Table of Contents

Indian Reservation System

India’s reservation system, rooted in the country’s age-old caste system, aims to provide equitable access to government jobs, educational institutions, and legislatures for historically disadvantaged sections of the population. Originating as a means of addressing historical injustices based on caste identity, the reservation system operates as a quota-based affirmative action, often referred to as positive discrimination. Governed by government policies backed by the Indian Constitution, it has undergone significant evolution over the years.

Historical Background and Evolution

The idea of caste-based reservations was initially conceived by William Hunter and Jyotirao Phule in 1882. However, it was formalized in 1933 with the introduction of the “Communal Award” by British Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald, which provided separate electorates for various religious and caste groups, including Dalits. Post-independence, the reservation system initially focused on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) but expanded to include Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in 1991 based on the recommendations of the Mandal Commission.

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Mandal Commission and Constitutional Amendments

Mandal commission.

• In December 1978, the President of India appointed the Mandal Commission under the chairmanship of B. P. Mandal.
• The commission was tasked with identifying socially and educationally backward classes and recommending measures for their advancement.
• The Mandal Commission found that approximately 52% of India’s population belonged to Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• Based on its findings, the commission recommended that 27% of government jobs be reserved for OBCs.
• The Mandal Commission’s recommendations sparked widespread debate and protests across the country.

Constitutional Amendments

• The 77th Amendment Act of 1995 introduced a new clause, Article 16(4A), enabling the state to provide reservation in promotions for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in public services if they are not adequately represented.
• The 81st Amendment Act of 2000 inserted Article 16(4B), allowing states to carry forward unfilled vacancies reserved for SCs/STs to the succeeding year, thereby bypassing the 50% reservation cap.
• The 85th Amendment Act of 2001 modified Article 16(4A) to provide consequential seniority to SCs and STs candidates promoted by reservation.
• These amendments expanded the scope of reservation policies and addressed issues related to promotions, seniority, and unfilled vacancies for SCs and STs.

Judicial Scrutiny and Supreme Court Verdicts

Several landmark Supreme Court cases, including the State of Madras v. Smt. Champakam Dorairajan and Indra Sawhney v. Union of India, have shaped the scope and extent of reservation policies. The Supreme Court upheld the 27% quota for OBCs while introducing the concept of the “creamy layer” and imposing a 50% cap on total reservation. Subsequent judgments clarified the exclusion of the creamy layer from reservation benefits and emphasized the need for data on backwardness.

Critical Analysis of India’s Reservation System

The reservation system in India has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny, eliciting both support and criticism from various segments of society. A critical analysis of India’s reservation system reveals several key points:

• Addressing Historical Injustice: One of the primary arguments in favor of the reservation system is its role in addressing historical injustices faced by marginalized communities, particularly Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). By providing reserved seats in education, employment, and politics, the system aims to uplift these communities and provide them with opportunities they were historically denied.
• Promotion of Social Inclusion: Proponents argue that reservation fosters social inclusion by ensuring representation of diverse communities in various sectors. It helps in breaking down barriers and promoting diversity in educational institutions, government offices, and legislative bodies, thereby creating a more inclusive society.
• Meritocracy vs. Quotas: Critics often argue that reservation compromises the principle of meritocracy by prioritizing caste-based quotas over merit-based selection. They contend that deserving candidates may be overlooked in favor of less qualified individuals solely based on their caste status, leading to inefficiencies and compromising the quality of institutions and governance.
• Caste Reinforcement: Another criticism leveled against the reservation system is its potential to reinforce caste divisions in society. By institutionalizing caste identities and allocating benefits based on caste, the system may inadvertently perpetuate social stratification and hinder efforts towards building a more egalitarian society.
• Creamy Layer and Efficiency: The concept of the “creamy layer,” introduced to exclude affluent members within reserved categories from availing reservation benefits, aims to ensure that the most disadvantaged individuals receive support. However, concerns remain about the efficiency of the system, particularly regarding its impact on overall governance and administrative effectiveness.
• 50% Reservation Cap: The Supreme Court’s directive to cap reservation quotas at 50% of available seats has sparked discussions about the feasibility and practicality of such limitations. Critics argue that this cap restricts the scope of reservation policies and may not adequately address the needs of marginalized communities, while proponents advocate for its maintenance to prevent over-representation and promote fairness.
• Calls for Reform: Over the years, there have been calls for reforming the reservation system to make it more equitable and effective. Suggestions include revisiting the criteria for determining backwardness, ensuring transparency in reservation policies, promoting economic criteria alongside social indicators, and investing in education and skill development initiatives to uplift marginalized communities.

Pros and Cons of Indian Reservation System

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Indian Reservation System FAQs

What is the reservation percentage for sc st and obc.

STs and OBCs in case of direct recruitment on all India basis by open competition is given at the rate of 15%, 7.5% and 27% respectively.

Who started SC ST reservation in India?

Post-independence the system of reservation was framed by the Constituent Assembly which was chaired by Dr. BR Ambedkar.

Is reservation system in India good or bad?

It's the duty of the government to provide equality of status and opportunity in India. Reservation is one of the tools against social oppression and injustice against certain classes. Otherwise known as affirmative action, reservation helps in uplifting backward classes.

Who was the father of reservation?

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Reservation in India – Explained in Layman’s Terms

Last updated on March 6, 2024 by Alex Andrews George

In simple terms, reservation in India is all about reserving access to seats in government jobs, educational institutions, and even legislatures to certain sections of the population.

Also known as affirmative action, the reservation can also be seen as positive discrimination. Reservation in India is a government policy, backed by the Indian Constitution  (by means of various amendments).

Table of Contents

The purpose of reservation in India

The two main aims to provide reservation as per the Consitution of India are:

• Advancement of Scheduled Castes (SC) and the Scheduled Tribes (ST) OR any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens (e.g.: OBC) OR economically weaker sections (EWS) – Article 15 (4), Article 15 (5), and Article 15 (6),
• Adequate representation of any backward class of citizens OR economically weaker sections (EWS) in the services under the State. – Article 16 (4) and Article 16 (6)

The extent of Reservation in India

In India, reservation is provided in:

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• Government Educational Institutions (like IITs, IIMs, etc.) – as per Article 15 – (4), (5), and (6)
• Government Jobs (like IAS , IPS , etc.) – as per Article 16 – (4) and (6)
• Legislatures ( Parliament , and State Legislature ) – as per Article 334

Before 2019, the reservation was provided mainly on the basis of social and educational backwardness (caste). However, after the 103rd constitutional amendment in 2019, economic backwardness is also considered.

Apart from the reservation quota, additional relaxations like upper-age relaxations, additional attempts, and lower cut-off marks are also provided for various reservation categories.

Reservation quota in India for Government Jobs

A vacancy reserved for SCs STs or OBCs cannot be filled by a candidate other than an SC ST or OBC candidate, as the case may be.

As seen from the above table, about 60% of seats are reserved in India –  for various sections like ST, SC, OBC, and EWS – with respect to Government jobs and Higher Education Institutions. 3% of seats are also reserved for differently-abled persons across all categories.

This also means that only 40% of seats are available under merit. In the merit seats, not only the general category candidates but all other categories like SC, ST, OBC, and EWS can also compete.

SC/ST Reservation

The objective of providing reservations to the Scheduled Castes(SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in services is not only to give jobs to some persons belonging to these communities. It basically aims at empowering them and ensuring their participation in the decision-making process of the State.

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Besides, the state is also keen to end practices such as untouchability.

Scheduled Castes (SC) are given a 15% quota in jobs/higher educational institutions while Schedule Tribes (ST) are given a 7.5% quota in jobs/higher educational institutions.

Reservation is provided not only with respect to direct recruitment but also with respect to promotions for the SC/ST category (Article 16(4A)).

There is no concept of a ‘creamy layer’ with respect to SC/ST reservation. This means that irrespective of the income status or the government posts held by the parents, children of SC/ST parents will get SC/ST Reservations.

OBC Reservation

Reservation for Other Backwards Classes (OBC) was introduced based on the Mandal Commission Report (1991). The quota for OBCs is 27% in government jobs and higher educational institutions.

However, there is a concept of a ‘creamy layer’ with respect to the OBC reservation. Only those from OBC who come under the Non-Creamy Layer would get an OBC reservation.

The creamy layer concept brings income and social status as parameters to exclude some of the privileged members of OBC from the extent of reservation. This concept also keeps a check to ensure that the benefits of reservation do not get extended to subsequent generations.

Read more about the OBC Reservation Eligibility .

EWS Reservation

The Central Government of India recently introduced EWS Reservation. A 10% quota is provided for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)  among General Category candidates in government jobs and educational institutions. This is done by adding clauses for the same in the Indian Constitution (103rd Constitution Amendment Act, 2019).

Read more about the EWS Reservation Eligibility

History of Reservation System in India – Rectifying the Historical Injustice

To an extent, reservation as a policy is pursued by the State to correct the historical injustice done to certain castes by the so-called “upper castes”. The caste system that prevailed in India had alienated many “lower castes” from the mainstream – hindering their development. To a great extent, the repercussions are still felt.

The original Consitution of India provided reservation only for quota in legislatures – that too only for 10 years until 1960 (article 334). Subsequent amendments to the constitution extended the period of reservation for quota in legislatures.

Provisions of reservations in Educational Institutions and Government Jobs – article 15(4) and Article 16 (4) – were also created by means of Constitutional Amendments later. No time period is given for the validity of the reservations mentioned in Article 15(4) and Article 16(4).

The initial reservations were only for SC and ST [Article 15(4) and Article 16(4)]. OBCs were included in the ambit of reservation in 1991 [Article 15(5)]. In 2019, Economically Weaker Sections are also included [Article 15(6) and Article 16(6)].

Also read: Maratha quota law

Should India need reservations (now)?

It’s the duty of the government to provide  equality of status and opportunity in India .

Reservation is one of the tools against social oppression and injustice against certain classes. Otherwise known as affirmative action, reservation helps in uplifting backward classes.

However, reservation is just one of the methods for social upliftment. There are many other methods like providing scholarships, funds, coaching, and other welfare schemes.

The way the reservation is implemented and executed in India is largely governed by vote-bank politics.

Indian Consitution  allowed reservation only for  socially and educationally backward classes . However, in India, it became a caste-based reservation instead of a  class-based reservation .

Initially, the reservation was intended only for SC/ST communities – that too for a period of 10 years (1951-1961). However, it has extended ever since. After the implementation of the Mandal Commission report in 1990, the scope of the reservation was widened to include Other Backward Communities (OBCs).

The benefits of the reservation were successively enjoyed only by a few communities (or families), excluding the truly deserving ones. Even 70 years after independence, the demand for reservations has only increased.

Now, with the introduction of economic criteria for reservation, in addition to the caste criteria that already existed, things have become more complicated.

Unequals should not be treated equally, but is reservation the only solution?

There is no doubt that unequal people should not be treated equally. However, is the current system of unequal treatment perfect? Is it creating more injustice? Is it the only way out in a welfare nation? It’s time to introspect.

Reservation based entirely on economic criteria is not an all-in-one solution, though family income can be one of the parameters. Also, it’s time to fix a time period for the reservation system – rather than extending it to eternity.

Denying India, the service of the  meritorious candidates , who see them being overtaken by others with lesser academic performance or brilliance, is also a crime and injustice.

Aren’t there any alternative mechanisms to uplift the marginalized so that everyone gets equal opportunities? How is affirmative action done in other countries?

Reforms in the reservation system of India are the need of the hour. However, as the subject of reservation revolves around a lot of votes, parties are reluctant to disrupt the existing system.

50% Cap on Caste-Based Reservations

In Indra Sawhney vs Union Of India, 1992, the Supreme Court of India capped caste-based reservation, ruling that “no provision of reservation or preference can be so vigorously pursued as to destroy the very concept of equality”.

“Since this Court has consistently held that the reservation under Articles 15(4) and 16(4) should not exceed 50% and the States and the Union have by and large accepted this as correct it should be held as constitutional prohibition and any reservation beyond 50% would liable to be struck down.”

While introducing the bill for Economic Reservation in 2019, Arun Jaitley (Finance Minister) contended that the 50% cap on reservations imposed by the Supreme Court was only  for caste-based reservations , and the  Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation  won’t be impacted by it.

Poverty cannot be the basis for providing reservations: SC

As per Article 16(4), one of the main purposes of the reservation is to provide adequate representation of all classes (castes) in government services. Economic Reservation introduced by Article 16(6) is actually against this concept – as it does not take into consideration the caste-based representation.

Moreover, the reservation is not a poverty alleviation scheme .

Supreme Court had also ruled that economic status cannot be the sole criterion for reservation.

Many states had tried to implement Economic Reservation, however, they were subsequently quashed by Courts.

Introducing the EWS bill in 2019, Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot said the similar state laws for the EWS quota were quashed by Courts because there was no provision for economic reservation in the Constitution before.  Now, the Law will not be struck down by the Supreme Court if challenged as it has been brought by making required provisions in the Constitution.

Will the Reservation System in India compromise the Merit (and efficiency of the system)?

Article 335 of the Indian Constitution states that

The claims of the member of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently, with the maintenance of efficiency of administration in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State. Provided that nothing in this article shall prevent in the making of any provision in favour of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes for relaxation in qualifying marks in any examination or lowering the standards of evaluation , for reservation in matters of promotion to any class or classes of services or posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State.

There is no second question that all castes/classes should be adequately represented in government services. However, which percentage can be called adequate – without compromising the merit or efficiency of the administration?

Is the current level of reservation adequate? Or is it less? Or has it already compromised the merit? What do you think?

Read:  Maratha Quota Law

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About Alex Andrews George

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Reader Interactions

March 3, 2019 at 9:56 pm

first of all thank mam/sir , I the student of Mcs biotcetiongy and now a day I have starteded perprationof ias officer .I try my best .if u provide me a best guidance for clear this exam thanku

March 3, 2019 at 10:03 pm

Thank you for the feedback. Hope the article helped you. All the best!

April 26, 2021 at 8:06 pm

It’s good thing to think big.First check your spellings before persuing this path

May 4, 2021 at 5:30 pm

Businesses start krlo

March 4, 2019 at 12:53 pm

sir i am Sanju mohanan a philosophy graduate and currently working in a private firm. I wish to clear cs in 2020 can i sir? How can i study effectively sir? Pls guide me sir Hope u will reply

March 11, 2019 at 5:35 pm

@Sanju – Start from ClearIAS Beginners Guide.

March 4, 2019 at 1:15 pm

thank you a lot sir for this valuable topic. i am very much grateful to your notes and guidance. your writings are always pellucid. just keep motivating the aspirants by providing them with these gifts. hope to be further guided by you till i achieve my dream job…thank you again.. and namaskar..

March 11, 2019 at 5:34 pm

@ Satya – Thank you for the valuable feedback. We are truly delighted to read comments like yours. Great to know that our style of presentation suits you.

March 5, 2019 at 9:23 pm

Your articles and way of presenting things related to various topics of social issues have always been very lucid and appropriate. I have been following your site for 1 yr i guess and it’s quite helpful for people doing self study. Thanks allot for your valuable materials for civil service aspirants.

March 5, 2019 at 11:09 pm

@Anamika – Thanks a lot for your encouraging comments and support.

March 11, 2019 at 2:55 pm

Very good! article which explained the current reservation scenario in India. Those who oppose the reservation should understand the history behind it. During the time of the suffering of SC/ST since thousands of years were there no people to think about equality in the upper castes?Unless the untouchability is removed from the minds and attitude of the people, reservation for SC/ST is justifiable. The tragedy is that the section of the people who opposed the reservation for SC/ST and other back ward sections, have readily accepted the EWS reservation!!! So it shows that everyone want reservation for their benefit.

March 11, 2019 at 5:32 pm

@Divya – Thank you for the valuable feedback. Happy to know that you liked the article.

October 21, 2021 at 11:28 am

its wrong part talent is never respected in india just caste is respected…… this is main reason that india is still underdeveloped

May 6, 2019 at 7:06 am

It wrongly pronounced that there is not any creamy Lear in SC reservation policy. The well settled parents children also can get reservation. It is wrong . I am being professor in history my children did not apply for scholarship or any facilities.. Second, it is wrongly pronounced that the less merits also can get service vide reservation. Now , there are many students from SC who obtain 90 to 95 % of marks. Also there is long que of candidates for few posts . The recruitment process is completed with merit list , the higher rank holders are selected . Not from low marks. It is not fault of SC ,ST candidates , but it is faults of castiest minded person who made the Castes, caste is in mind and not in human body . It is shamful for the castiest minded group of people who promote caste system in India. Freeze the all Castes , forbid the use of Caste indicating sirnames, disgnated names .

October 14, 2021 at 8:40 am

That’s why reservation quota on the basis of caste should be banned,if really talented people are getting jobs and poor people receiving benefits which given by government. Then quota will be stopped. The reservation system was only meant for 10 years as the Constitution parameter but still it is in progress due to dirty politics.One day will come in India no quota reservation rather talent.

April 19, 2022 at 1:10 pm

Dear Sir, Only the Reservation system in India decides the filing of the post whether a student or a job vacancy. Everywhere else, the general pattern consists of Aptitude Test, Group Discussion and Interviews which select the candidates. (These processes are not related to any caste). So lets make such patterns for selection.

May 23, 2019 at 12:03 am

The articles are very good with each section described so well! good job sir. espically the article on reservation was comendable.

May 24, 2019 at 1:55 pm

Hello…i am swati vasava.Student from SVNIT surat.completed 2nd year in integrated master of science.i want to start upsc preparation from now.i know i should cover all NCERT books from 6 to 12 in this vacation time but i am getting confusion which language should i prefer? English or gujarati!?i completed my school life in Gujarati medium but now i am studying in CBSC board english medium. Please give me suggestion.hope to get reply soon Thanks ☺

May 31, 2019 at 3:58 pm

I am Neeraj Sehrawat, I am working in domestic Company having 5 years experience as a Sr. Executive-HR/Admin and Compliance. Please guide for my best future.

Thanks & Regards

July 1, 2019 at 11:53 pm

The info you gave that reservation was only given for 10 year is wrong. It was political reservation which was given for 10 years, there were no limits set on economical and social reservation.

September 10, 2019 at 1:32 pm

These articles are great. Kindly keep posting such articles and keep up the good work. Thank you for this website.

October 11, 2019 at 8:13 am

Writer need to work on concepts like caste in depth to have better understanding of whole issue, other countries don’t have such a brutal system like caste so we can’t even compare the issue with other affirmative actions as claimed by the writer. There is a complete lack of epistemological understanding of caste and it is reflected in the article.

October 11, 2019 at 8:36 am

Hello Team Clear IAS, While reading your article on Reservation, It seems better and you have given more facts which are essential too. But I finf some mistakes as well.e.g. the true meaning of reservation is lacking, the main objective of reservation is also missed. In the Article You said that Reservation was for 10 year only,here you bluff because this is not the fact. The fact is Reservation was is given in 3 Broad Areas as given below, 1) Political reservation 2) Education R 3) Employment R. So here In Political Field the reservation was given for 10 year with a provision that if this section would not get adequate representation then it would be Extend for next 10 year ( as we know the caste mentality ,bias mentality of our society). This 10 year Criteria was not applicable for Education and Employment. You have give the best facts which are essential to know but this article seems Monotonal, Unbalanced, Acorders.. need improvement as it is most important issue. Thank you.

October 12, 2019 at 1:28 pm

It is true that the Reservation in India is given in 3 broad areas. The article explains that Original Consitution of India has provided reservation only for quota in legislatures – that too only for 10 years until 1960 (article 334). This means the original constitution explicitly mentioned ONLY political reservation.

The article also mentions that the 10-year period of reservation was only for political reservation in the original constitution.

The Education Reservation (Article 15(4)) and the employment reservation Article 16(4) were created by constitutional amendments later. The educational reservation and employment reservation were not explicitly mentioned in the original constitution. The First Constitutional Amendment Act 1951 Introduced Educational Reservation Article 15(4) while the Seventh Constitutional Amenmendent Act 1956 introduced Employment Reservation.

In short, I find the above article as correct. The author has put the facts right.

October 12, 2019 at 1:35 pm

The article was meant to explain the concept of reservation in laymen terms. There is no comparison made with other affirmative actions. However, the reference is made to look if there any best practices exist in other countries which we can adopt to improve our system of reservation.

October 12, 2019 at 1:36 pm

It is the same we meant by writing ‘ only for quota in legislatures – that too only for 10 years until 1960 (article 334)’ and in the next paragraph, No time period is given for the validity of the reservations mentioned in article 15(4) and article 16(4).

December 5, 2019 at 7:07 am

There shouldn’t be any reservation. Still you think discrimination exist,i don’t think so. And what about those who were benefitted by reservation what they have done for upliftment of there society . Nothing! 70 years is too much for upliftment but by giving lame excuse that we have been exploited for 1000 years you can’t justify further need of reservation. It’s all for political benefit by leaders. Unfortunately it is never gonna to end ever. And people always remain in same state unless a new approach for upliftment is opted. Aur chalta rahega mera desh Ram bharose.

January 19, 2021 at 9:38 pm

Dear Ritesh..

1) S.C. ‘s house in most of the haryana villages exist on the outskirts and mainly on the West direction.. where s The Sun sets…. as the upper caste sld be the 1st one to get the Surya-darshan..

2) Funeral grounds, water-Wells are different for lower castes…

3) They still cannot perform “ghurchari” a procession during their marriage.. unlike upper-caste men… Searc for it… many got killed even in police presence..

4) They still are called “dhed ke beej”.. (a casteist slang..) by most of the villagers..

I live in a city… still I’m aware of these discriminations… we just need to be more aware to know the REAL-TRUTH.

Thankyou for your time and patience..

March 13, 2021 at 12:32 am

Yes you are right . Its been 70 years we were not even born . I am a general and have never discriminated any one in my life but still i am facing this . Ppl kept saying we were discriminated 1000 years ago etc etc but man I don’t know who discriminated you then why i am getting punished. And if you know any one being discriminated then what have you done for them ? And if you don’t have done anything for them then stop this because you are just supporting governments tactics of vote bank . Also We generals pay so much fees and I don’t have to explain the difference of fees between us . I respect every catagory but i have never got an answer about WHY RESERVATION EXISTS? the answer that can actually satisfy my question. THANKYOU

December 10, 2019 at 11:39 pm

there is clear adequate solution without compromising merit/efficiency. the reservation is to protect/empower and equal opportunity in decision making. caste/class/gender–regarding reservations to be below 50%— taking any base year of population control imposed— a reservation to be given below 50% of that caste’s total percentage of population-i.e.,if OBC is 41% population then the reservation for them is below 20.5% for SC-below 9.5% out of their 19% population(SC can be subdivided as SC-A and SC-B with 5% and 4.5% out of their 10% and 9%population,actually their population is well below19%) in reserved 50% -the eqality of women automatically reserved to 50% of those seats because women population is 50%. in politics because of empowering necessity to to protect them -50% male and 50% female to be reserved in rotating the costituencies-or-atleast the the parties are to be ordered by court to must give 50-50 seats.

January 27, 2020 at 3:58 am

I am Jagesh Kumar MBA,PGDCA pursuing Company Secretary Executive course from ICSI.

As the aim of caste based reservation was to uplift the lower caste and backward people along with the upper caste and that too for a period of 10 years, later got extended. Now the total percentage of reservation is around 59 percent.

As the aim is achieved need to stop all caste based reservation and implement economic reservation say 25 percent for economically backward people from all castes whose annual income is less than or equal to 50000 or 100000 whatever the parameter is and rest 75 percent must go on open merit.

Then only we can become a developed country and overcome recession.

February 17, 2020 at 12:26 am

Team ClearIAS, I would like to bring to your notice some of the contradictions in your explanatory piece on Reservation Policy in India. Though I would be happy to be proven wrong otherwise. In the section, ‘History of Reservation System in India’, it is written that reservation policy was first instituted for a period of 10 years only for representation in legislatures both central and state with periodic extension clause. Whereas there was no time limit given for provisions of reservation in educational institutions and government jobs. There is no mention of the expiration of the same nowhere in the Constitution. As one moves to the next section, ‘Should India Need Reservation (now)?’, it is clearly written that “Initially, reservation was intended for only SC/STs that too for only 10 years but it got extended ever since.” And, after the implementation of Mandal Commission, it included the OBCs too. My objection is just that while it is factually correct that reservation was first introduced to cover the SC/ST communities and later it got extended to OBCs as well, but it would be incorrect to say that the validity of reservation for Sc/STs was only for 10 years. It definitely was but only in legislatures and not in educational institutions or government jobs. I feel this point should be highlighted here as such errors or typos may mislead the general public and change the course of debate on reservation policy. Regards, A Critical Reader

March 8, 2020 at 10:11 am

I really thankful to u sir/ma’am for such type of notes……..now I m a doing bsc (4th sem) bt I still start preparation for upsc…….bt i usually some confused how I choose optional sub…….sir/ma’am please help me to clear this exam……

May 3, 2020 at 3:28 am

Thank you sir/madam, for providing this detailed information on reservations.

May 31, 2020 at 4:09 pm

బి.సిలు కు రిజ్వేరేషన్ రోష్టర్ నిబంధనలు రూల్సు తెలపగలరని విజ్ఞప్తి.

July 15, 2020 at 4:23 pm

Origin of Caste based Reservation system is in Manu Smriti, in India, and under Manu Smriti, the General category people got 100 percent Caste based Reservation in Education and Employment for thousands of years, in India, and the British white people to do justice to the SC, ST, OBC category people, granted Caste based Reservation to the SC, ST, OBC people in Education and Employment in India, in the year 1936, and the 50 percent Caste based Reservation to the SC, ST, OBC people continued under the Constitution of India, in the year 1950, for the unlimited period of time, and by that way, the General category people lost 50 percent reservation, and therefore they got annoyed for it, and then they started agitations against SC, ST, OBC reservation, and started talking about Merit, and the Times World Higher Education Report 2020 says, the Oxford University, England, is at Rank – 1, and the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, India, is at Rank – 401, and yet the talk about Merit continues in India. Sir Vishal Anand, Nagpur, India.

May 7, 2021 at 3:23 pm

Dear Sir Vishal Anand, Wondering if you got your Sir title from Oxford University or Britishers gave you the title. I guarantee that you must have neither read Manu smriti, nor been to Oxford or IIT and still you like to talk about merit.

July 24, 2020 at 8:27 am

To Vishal Anand, 1. Manusmriti or any ancient texts deals with varnas, which is based on work we do but not castes. 2. Britishers are the ones who introduced “caste” concept to create social unrest. 3. There was no rule in ancient texts to not to learn or perform. It is based on individual with merit has advantages. 4. OBC reservation has been added by indians in mandal commision during 1991 but not britishers.

To All, Definitely reservations is not effective(one and only) tool for social upliftment. Rather its been causing lack of efficiency and quality in all govt sectors. what will address at the upbringing of tribal people who are living far away from towns and cities? Does any SC, ST reservation helps them to get into govt sectors for decision making? Now SC, ST or OBC whoever enjoyed reservations got opportunity to uplift themselves, its been 70 years which is three generations. Can’t they opt-out of reservations as they already are competent enough to participate in merit(general) category? They aren’t, which is indirectly causing imbalance to their caste categories. It is vicious cycle which is now utilized by politicians or administrators for their favour.

Verdict: Reservations has become tool for politicians and administrators for their selfish needs rather than the intention behind this concept.

This is my personal view, based on 30 years of societal exposure. And yes, I’m from MERIT category.

July 1, 2022 at 2:55 pm

I am amazed to see this type of reply from well educated person about castism in India and reservation. For getting benefits of reservation you have to be educated mentaly and economically .As after passed bill about reservation doest not mean they all started getting benefits from the day it was implemented. from my family iam the one who has got the benefits of reservation not from three generations my age 32. This is very simple and easily explainable but still people make it so critical. Yes I’m agreed that reservation is not only tool for uplifting backward class. Peoples drisciminate for 1000year will be capable to compete with so call open category after just 70years and reservation 20%. Total India population more than 50% belongs to SC AND ST Who’s going to represent them in any social economic platform. People are talking about merits but what about opportunities. None of the communities get equal opportunity to compete with them and people talking about merits strange na. School ,collages , University and govt jobs are only platform for these communities to overcome from poverty and social economic backwardness. From my point of view why education is so expensive that people can’t even afford it which is nation requirement for development.why there is no any provision or funds allocated to these institutions to provide free education we allocate 1/3 funds to military to empower the defence but what about inside people are struggling for one time bread. This is very deep can be solved but people are talking about reservation but why it’s required no bodies care. Lower rank person get benefitted over higher rank that’s we call reservation no it’s not it’s representative of their community to equally contribution to the society of their own. 70 years reservation don’t count as three generations. Indian Commission need to go at ground level and they have to get data about why these people are not uplifted even after reservation and they have educate them about education and power of that then only India we reservation free. Please give us equal opportunity in all sector we will definitely compete prove the better result and uplift the society blaming is not the solution.

August 8, 2020 at 1:10 pm

There are 4 types of reservations:

1. Political Reservation

2. Reservation in Education

3. Reservation in Employment

4. Reservation in promotion

According to Article 330:

SC / ST enjoys reservation in the Lok Sabha and in the Legislative Assembly as per Article 332 and Article 334 states that EVERY 10 years the reservation received in the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assembly will be REVIEWED, (not ended) after 10 years. This is the Article whose misconception is for everyone.

It is a sheer lie that all kinds of reservation were only for 10 years.

Now lets come to the second third and fourth type of reservation:

Articles 15 and 16, which are fundamental constitutional rights, include reservation of SC / ST in education and employment in 15 (4) and 16 (4) included in it. These are fundamental rights. So no one can change them because they are fundamental constitutional rights.

After the Constitution came into force, the ruling class and opposition deliberately spread the misconception that reservation in employment and education was only for 10 years.

The truth that all Indians should be made aware of is that reservation in EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION is not just for 10 years. IT IS FOR GOOD. THAT MEANS FOREVER—-(unless caste is abolished).

As long as the caste system remains, the reservation system will remain till then!

It is true that the reservation system was meant to protect the Scheduled Castes and Tribes only temporarily UNTIL the successful ANNIHILATION OF CASTE, which most seem to have forgotten to work towards.

August 28, 2020 at 11:01 am

your content is beneficial for many of students who really want to know about this.thank you for sharing a valuable content.

October 23, 2020 at 2:57 am

My real question would be is how many upper caste people are willing to marry freely and consider SC and ST people as their equals? Will a Brahmin Boy marry a Dailit girl of same qualifications and economic status? Caste is not in the class you are it is entwined in the mindset of Indians from Childhood. Ambedkar clearly saw this evil and did what’s best without creating a physical divide in this nation. Tell me one sanitary worker from upper caste. I heard of upper caste sanitary workers cleaning toilets used by upper caste people. Caste still remains in India and is not spoken openly in cities. But in villages it’s a daily conversation. Open the matrimonial page in a news paper, look at all the caste based requirements parents post. It sickens me to my bones to see that. And here they are trying to pluck out the bud before it has blossomed. Yes the creamy layer is the final bud that is about to blossom and pollinate thereby creating a better species of Dalits who will be ready to take on this oppression with more knowledge, money and unity.

March 13, 2021 at 12:57 am

Sir in which era you are living please tell us . 1. In india more than thousands of upper caste ppl marry lower caste ppl this concept is known as inter-caste marriage and sir it is very common now a days . [happened in my own family] 2. Many of my close friends are from lower caste and we are equal . 3. Please go and google how many upper caste ppl are working as labour’s, rickshaw pullers, cleaning toilets etc etc i hope we will get your answer which will help you get out of your imaginary era where no hindu works as mentioned above . 4. No one speaks about castes openly in cities because in cities only qualification matters . 5. In matrimony sites ever family demands for girl/boy of same catagory/caste muslim will ask for muslim , christian fir christian , general for general , SC for SC because it is arrange marriage sir and this is what happens in arrange marriage 6. Its been 70 years and buds have already bloomed now please try to get out of your imaginary era Thankyou

December 21, 2020 at 5:44 pm

I think today india needs no reservation on the basis of caste whether it is sc or obc. Reservation should only give on the basis of financial status. Every reserved caste have only two points.. First is that general caste people are rich they belong to raja/maharaja there ancestors bullied lower caste people and all that…..first of all….i am from rajput family and clearly note my words * i am not rich, i belong to economical weaker section, with inclusion of our farming income we rarely touches 4 or 5 lakh annually, we dont have our own house we still live in rented house, we dont have a car(even not a maruti) no bike, we only have a chetak scooter, we are 3 members in family and we can’t even go anywhere together on chetak beacause we are unable to fit on that together, and i am preparing for govt. Job but due to high fee of coaching institutes i am unable to go there, and also we have complementary our indian so-called quota system*. Now tell me from where you can say that general category are rich. Now let me come to second point….reserved categories always put blame on us that there ancestors bullied the lower caste people…..now note it * if anyone do crime like murder, then who deserves punishment? That person who did murder or his next generation? Who doesnt even know for what they are being criticized……i want to know ….is this equality? *.

Now one another point they have that…why dont upper castes marry in dalits?…. Let me tell you…..according to our constitution an adult can marry in any religion or any caste. What he or she want………there are tonnes of examples of intercaste marriages…. We general categories are have done alot marriages in dalits……now let me ask you….why dont you marry in muslim or christian or any other religion? And let me come on another point…….they always say that there is no sanitary worker belongs to upper caste……. Did you know all sanitary workers personally? That with what caste they belong……..

At the end i only want to say that reservation should only be given on financial basis not on caste system….. Thank you 🙏💕

December 21, 2020 at 5:50 pm

March 2, 2021 at 2:40 pm

Well said sir

April 1, 2021 at 11:10 am

Sir I am a statistician conducting a survey on the topic (do we still need caste based reservation in education).Can you suggest me of some questions to prepare a questionnaire.

May 9, 2021 at 8:05 pm

Informative.. Thanks A Lot. Reservation is good but need of the hour is to implement Reservation based on Economic condition. Recently, I wrote a same article on ‘Reservation in India’ based on Data you provided in this Article. Credit goes to you for Data.

My Site link is – https://www.thepanoramaglobal.com

August 12, 2021 at 9:04 pm

Of course,do you not need reservation if you are given it? The future is the tussle for reservations by all communities and it will be revoked.

August 17, 2021 at 8:21 pm

If 10% quota based on economic backward section then why it should only for general ews category ?

November 1, 2021 at 9:39 pm

Because other castes already have reservation. At least 80% people who get some form of caste quota (especially OBC) wish if they can get more quota. I suspect that you belong to OBC category, so I understand why you asked that question.

November 6, 2021 at 2:48 am

Team Clearias, Thanks for the well written article. But there are many things in the article you missed mentioning. Like Political Reservations taking away civil liberties from unreserved category people in India. As we know GEN and OBC are banned from contesting election in 130 lok sabha districts, which I feel is quite unfair on them. In a democracy everyone should be allowed to contest elections, nobody should be banned as it is a universal civil liberty. India is the only democratic country in the world which bans hundreds of millions of people from contesting elections. Should a democratic country have such laws which denies its own citizens democratic rights? Shouldn’t contesting elections be everyone’s right? But sadly in India everyone doesnt have that right. Plus political reservations are also implemented in state and muncipal elections which means majority of the populationof our country are denied from contesting elections. This is quite bad for the democracy of our country.

You missed this important point in your article. I hope you include it in your article.

November 7, 2022 at 4:48 pm

What about outcome by reservation? Is it best for the system. If there’s any kind of reservation it will eventually decrease the productivity. If the system develop the backward classes automatically come forward. You know why there’s no kind of reservation in Indian cricket team because they are competing at world level if there are reservation they can’t play with their 11 best player in the country. There’s no reservations in army cause if there are unfit soldiers in army it will cost our country instantly. Everyone should get equal of opportunities not equal seats. Competition will lead the development of the country. Government should make sure that everyone should get equal opportunities instead of quotas.

June 1, 2023 at 6:59 am

I am an OBC category candidate having a valid OBC certificate, but got selected for the post of Assistant Prof in the year 2006 under general category (didn’t use by OBC cert). The category detail in my personal file in my personal file is that of UR. I have applied for getting a forwarding from my current employer for the post of Associate Prof. under OBC category in a central University, exclusively for OBC .So, am I eligible to get the forwarding for the OBC exclusive post even though I am occupying the seat of an UR in my current job.Can you please provide me some court ruling of any similar case. I would happy if you could help me.

June 5, 2023 at 5:39 pm

sir , will you pl add reference list of the above work for using it for research as well.

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Essay on Reservation in India

500 words essay on reservation in india.

Reservation is a controversial and highly debatable topic in India. Furthermore, the main aim behind the reservation was the empowerment of the weaker sections of society. So, let’s learn all about it with this essay on reservation in India.

                                                                                                     Essay On Reservation In India

Background of the Reservation Policy

Reservation in India refers to the practice of reserving a certain percentage of seats in government institutions for people belonging to backward and under-represented communities. Furthermore, reservation in its essence is a type of quota-based affirmative action.

The primary beneficiaries of the reservation policies under the Constitution are the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Furthermore, this concept was made part of the Constitution in order to let the deprived classes come at par with the privileged classes.

Initially, the idea was to make a reservation policy only for ten years after the independence to facilitate the development of the underprivileged sections. However, the situation now is such that even after more than seventy years of independence, reservation policy is still in place.

Problems Associated with Reservation Policy

One can attribute the origin of the reservation system to the age-old caste system of India. According to the caste system, the division of the people was to take place on the basis of occupation. As such, various sects came up like teaching and preaching (Brahmins), kingship and war (Kshatriya), and business (Vaish).

Soon, however, the system became an instrument of dividing the society on the basis of caste. Furthermore, this led to the creation of various walls between the different sections of society. After independence, the main objective of the reservation policy was to uplift the untouchables who had to suffer maximum marginalization.

Today, the division of the Indian society has taken place into Hindu, Muslim, SC, ST, OBC etc. Furthermore, demands for newer reservation are also coming from Christians, Jats, Pandits, Tribals etc.

Unfortunately, there has been the failure of the policy to achieve its aim to uplift the marginalised classes. Rather, the reservation policy has become a political tool in the hands of politicians. Furthermore, the rift in the caste system is becoming deeper.

The 93 rd  Amendment stirred the anger of the youth, in general, all over the country. Furthermore, protests took place from various sections of society. Moreover, the reason for the anger of the youth was that the development of one section of the society cannot take place at the cost of the other sections.

Conclusion of Essay on Reservation in India

Reservation in India has been playing a major role in the politics of India. Furthermore, it has now become an integral part of Indian society, in spite of the criticism it had to face. Overall, it can be said that while the intention behind reservation cannot be blamed, it is the faulty implementation that has been the main problem.

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FAQs For Essay on Reservation in India

Question 1: What is the need for reservation in India?

Answer 1: Reservation primarily relates to three groups: Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes whose abbreviation takes place as SC, ST, and OBC respectively. Furthermore, these less privileged groups have suffered oppression or unfairness in India. Consequently, the aim of reservations is to prevent caste supremacists from denying these groups their rights.

Question 2: Is the reservation of elected seats permanent in India?

Answer 2: The original requirement of Article 334 of the Constitution was to cease the reservation of elected seats in 1960. However, its extension took place to 1970 by the 8th Amendment and then to 2020 by the 95th Amendment. Due to the 104th Amendment, a further extension has taken place in the period of the reservation to 2030.

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Reservation Policy in India: An Analysis

Related Papers

Dr. Ajit Mondal

Reservation in common terms refers to an act of reserving, keeping back or withholding. According to the New Webster Dictionary, reservation means, "Keeping aside something for some specific purpose". Reservation is also termed as Affirmative action and fair discrimination. Reservation in India is a form of affirmative action designed to improve the well-being of the backward and under-represented communities defined primarily by their caste, gender, religion and economic condition that commenced with the coming into force of the Indian Constitution. It is about facilitating access of certain sections of the population to seats in the government jobs, educational institutions, and even legislatures. Reservation in India refers to a policy of reserving certain percentage of seats for a certain class such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, etc. in Government educational institutions, government jobs, etc. Reservation in India is a system of affirmative action that provides representation for historically and currently disadvantaged groups in Indian society in education, employment and politics. Reservation in India is a government policy, backed by the Indian Constitution. The Articles 15 and 16 of the Indian Constitution allow the Indian Government to set quotas to ensure any "socially and educationally backward classes of citizens" is properly represented in public life. In India Reservation is provided to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections at the rate of 15 per cent, 7.5 per cent and 27 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. Reservation is the process of facilitating people in education, scholarship, and jobs etc. that were faced with historical injustice. The 'reservation policy' is operative in three main spheres, namely appointment and promotion in government services, admissions to public educational institutions, and seats in Central, State and local legislatures. The current percentage of reservation of different social categories in employment and other sectors:ST 7.5%, SC 15%, OBC27%, EPW 10% and Differently-abled 4%.

ASIAN JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC STUDIES

Shivam Kaushik

This Article endeavors to analyze and do a comprehensive study of the reservation policy of India as mandated by Article 15 and 16 of the Indian Constitution. The study attempts to trace the course of reservation policies since the Independence and how it has become a political tool in the hands of different governments to forward their political interests. The article evaluates ‘cast’ as a criteria employed by state to determine ‘backward classes’ on the touchstone of reasonableness and fairness. The article mainly deals with the issue in two steps. Firstly, by doing a critical analysis of Mandal Commission report and subsequent Indra Swahney case, secondly, by focusing on the transforming view of the Apex Court in different cases overtime and the conflicting opinions of different benches. This is done by an in-depth analysis of important pronouncements in this regard. In the research the author highlights the views of eminent jurists and also incorporates his own view regarding the widely politicized issue.

Dr. Md Altamash Imam

The reservation system is an affirmative action that addresses historical and social inequalities marginalized communities face. The reservation policy in India was introduced after independence to promote social justice and upliftment of historically disadvantaged groups such as the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. The Indian Constitution provides for reservation in education, employment, and political representation. The reservation policy has been a subject of debate and controversy in India. While some argue that correcting historical injustices is necessary, others believe it is discriminatory and hinders merit-based selection. This research paper provides an overview of the reservation policy in India, examining the constitutional provisions that underpin this contentious issue. Through a comprehensive analysis of the historical and legal context, the study aims to shed light on the origins, implementation, and impact of reservation policy in India. By highlighting the challenges and opportunities this policy presents, the study seeks to contribute to the ongoing debate on affirmative action and social justice in India. Ultimately, this research paper offers a nuanced and insightful perspective on one of India's most complex and enduring issues.

Iasir Journals

International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences

Soma Mandal

Reservations in India, specifically, in the context of social and educational backward classes (SEBC) have been undergoing constitutional setbacks in recent years. The increasing politicization and subsequent echoes of scraping down reservations in appointments and promotions to SC, and STs, sporadic discontinuation of fellowships for socially backward students, absence of accurate data on backlog vacancies, reserved positions vacant in employment, and finally, in most cases under-representation in the 49.5-50 per cent quota out of which 15 per cent for SCs, 7.5 per cent to STs and 27 per cent to OBCs that have been earmarked, lays bare the institutional breach in the promise of social justice. Reservation in this context, calls for a renewed perspective on how and why it not only suffers alienation and conflicts from within the minority sections it so represents but increasingly projects out as exclusive and exclusionary a category to the majority. The paper attempts to project the double bind within which reservation attempts to articulate the voice of the non-represented. The paper further draws in the recent judicial judgment of the Uttarakhand High Court in matters of promotion, which arguably bear out contradictory responses to the reservation, analyzing in the process a decadal shift in the substantive power of reservation that is being increasingly understood to be a threat to the majoritarian class and caste interests.

S.Yesu suresh

This article described history and present status of reservation system in India. In 1901, reservations were introduced in Maharashtra (in the Princely State of Kolhapur) by Shahu Maharaj. Chatrapati Sahuji Maharaj, He provided free education to everyone and opened several hostels in Kolhapur to make it easier for everyone to receive the education. He also made sure everyone got suitable employment no matter what social class they belonged. He also appealed for a class-free India and the abolition of untouchability. The explicit purpose of the reservation policy was and is to promote social, economic, and political equality for Scheduled caste, tribal peoples, and other lower castes peoples, (i.e. OBCs (Other Backward Communities) through positive or compensatory discrimination. By this policy, the leaders of independent India declared their determination to eradicate inequalities. The Indian government has appointment various commissions for measurement quota system. The researcher explained towards this study Indian constitutions provision for reservation, merits and demerits and impact of reservation system in India. The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, defines the nation as a ‘Democratic Republic’ which ensures that All citizens are equal before law, free from discrimination on grounds of caste, creed, religion, sex, place of birth, and equality of opportunity in education and public appointments. The Constitution also specifically abolishes untouchability. This study the researcher collected secondary data from different Journals, books, etc and give the details on references.

Economies and Politics Weekly

jai prakash Yadav

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the reservation system in India, exploring its historical evolution and the key judicial judgments that have shaped it. It begins by emphasizing the constitutional commitment to securing social, economic, and political justice for marginalized communities. The historical context is then discussed, focusing on the early 20th-century dissatisfaction among non-Brahmins and the formation of the Justice Party to challenge Brahmin dominance. The Justice Party's success in securing reservations for non-Brahmins is highlighted, as well as the subsequent shifts in the Congress party's stance on reservations. The article delves into the Champakam Dorairajan case, which challenged caste-based reservations, and the subsequent constitutional amendments that introduced economic criteria into reservations. It discusses various Supreme Court cases that clarified reservation percentages, the concept of the "creamy layer," and the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced economic criteria in reservations. The conclusion emphasizes the challenges of maintaining a balance in reservation policies, ensuring that opportunities are provided to genuinely backward individuals while preventing misuse. The article acknowledges the social tensions that have arisen from reservations and calls for careful calibration to achieve social harmony and inclusive development. The reservation system in India is presented as a critical tool in addressing historical inequalities while fostering equitable access to education and employment opportunities.

gautam kumar

Hanut Singh

Neha Bareth

Abstract:- A true democracy is recognized when all people have the same ability to make the decisions regarding the government. In this view the theme of reservations is adopted to bring this equality in thought and goal. "If some members are too advanced socially, the link between them and the rest of the class is needed. That’s way preamble of our constitution contains the phrase: “Justice – as social economic and political”. For this reason reservation policy is an exception to the equality rule it is still considered a key element of equality. As equality has many dimensions and one such dimension is the reservation policy for the backward classes and to achieve the equality of status and of opportunity for this reservation considered necessary. Thus, reservation may be a means to achieve equality but if it not administered properly, it can also achieve inequality. I would start my paper by pointing out the historical reasons for giving reservation and this paper looks at some of the more important chronological, constitutional and lawful moments in the development of a reservations procedure in India. Keywords: Equality, Reservation, Discrimination, Economically and Socially Backward classes, Creamy layer Reasonable and fair manner.

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Rethinking the Reservation System in Contemporary India: A Local Point of View

• First Online: 28 November 2018

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• Kenta Funahashi 5  

Part of the book series: Human Rights Interventions ((HURIIN))

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Funahashi focuses on the issues surrounding the reservation system in contemporary India, particularly investigating situations after the enforcement of the 73rd Amendment Act in 1993, which appointed quotas for women, the Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes in the village panchayats. Funahashi deals with a case study in Uttar Pradesh, and considers the effects of the reservation system from a local point of view. The reservation system has resulted in the situation that some ‘elite’ people have appeared among lower-strata people, including Dalits. The reservation at the local panchayat level has created Dalit-Pradhans and Dalit-members of village panchayats. People must regard Dalit people as important actors who have the right to vote and also have the right to be voted into village politics.

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This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI, Grant Number JP15H03142.

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Funahashi, K. (2019). Rethinking the Reservation System in Contemporary India: A Local Point of View. In: Yamamoto, T., Ueda, T. (eds) Law and Democracy in Contemporary India. Human Rights Interventions. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95837-8_5

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What is the Reservation System? Insights into the Reservation System in India

The reservation system has become one of the biggest topics of debate in India. There have been debates, rallies and protests, both in favour, and against the policy of reservation system in India. To understand this issue thoroughly one has to peek deep down into the history of India. Where does this system have its inception, in politics, or in ancient India?

Who Introduced the Reservation System in India?

The reservation system was there in India from the pre-independence era. Maharaj Ch. Shahu of Kolhapur princely state introduced it.

Progressive and liberal thinker King Shahu implemented the scheduled tribe and SC reservation in India. The first initiative was started in Kolhapur state.

An important role was played by Maharaj Sahu in the social reformation of Maharashtra. Dr B. R Ambedkar’s social activities also got support from him.

Later, caste reservation in India was constitutionalized by Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.

Caste System in India

The age-old Manusmriti, which is considered to be the handbook of Brahmins of the time, contains laws based on grounds of caste and not merit. Divisions were made solely on the grounds of birth; if a person was born in higher caste or a lower caste. The higher born people got the best of society.

Bouncing back to the time of independence, Dr B.R.Ambedkar rightfully used the term Representation in lieu of reservation in the Indian Constitution. It is the most precise explanation of reservation.

It must be understood that reservation is something which is not given to an individual, it is given to him/ her for representing the community to which they belong, an underprivileged community so to speak.

What is Reservation?

Reservation is a tool which gives the underprivileged equal representation and participation rights, be it in governance or education. A beneficiary of this reservation is expected to uplift his/ her community.

Like everything else in India, this noble idea also has multiple issues enveloping it. Let’s have a look at those issues.

Justice and Equality

To understand this issue entirely, one has to first understand the terms ‘equality’ and ‘justice’. Equality means treating everyone (people of different caste, religion, age, sex, place of birth) equally despite certain advantages that some individuals might possess.

Justice means correcting the wrong, though it might be perceived as inequality at times. When certain people are treated differently, or inferiorly, basically when they are discriminated on certain grounds, that is when justice comes into the picture.

As we have seen earlier, discrimination has been persistent in India since ancient times. Brahmins and Kshatriyas were considered to be higher than others.

Reservation System in India

“Article 16 (4) is not a poverty alleviation programme. Its singular aim is to redistribute power to those who have been kept out of the state apparatus so as to end their educational, social and economic backwardness and this class is not less than 77 1/2 % of the population of the country” – Justice P.B.Sawant.

It can be said that discrimination (on the grounds of caste, race, sex, religion, place of birth) is a disease. It has become an untreatable super germ. To this, the reservation system is seen as the only antidote.

Prevention is better than cure; no disease, no medicine! But will this change the scenario in a country like ours, where discrimination dates back to 3 BC? It is hard to say.

Caste Reservation in India

Dr.Ambedkar proposed reservation for the marginally oppressed for a period of ten years. This was in 1950, it is 2017, reservation still exists. This brings to light an important question, ‘Is the purpose of reservation being served?’

Dr Ambedkar – “The educated people have betrayed me. I was thinking that after education they will serve their society. But I found that a crowd of clerks had gathered around me, who were engaged in filling their belly”.

This heart burning is proof that educated and intellectual class is alienated from society and is going away from its brotherhood. Because of this reason, atrocities and discrimination have increased on the people living in villages.

The class, who was expected to lead the society, became the most obedient servant of the government, and the movement was left for half-hearted and immature people.

The Mandal Commission Report

The Mandal Commission report said, “It may appear the upliftment of Other Backward Classes is part of the larger national problem of the removal of mass poverty.

This is only partially correct. The deprivation of OBCs is a very special case of the larger national issue: here the basic question is that of social and educational backwardness and poverty is only a direct consequence of these two crippling caste-based handicaps.

As these handicaps are embedded in our social structure, their removal will require far-reaching structural changes. No less important will be changed in the perception of the problems of OBCs by the ruling classes of the country.”

The Struggle of Equality

The SC/ STs living in cities enjoy the fruit of reservation. On the contrary, in the villages, where it is needed the most, people hardly get anything. All that is increasing is discrimination, be it linguistic, or in the form of cow-vigilantes, river water disputes amongst states etc. It seems people are unable to coexist in India peacefully.

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Reservation Percentage in India

There are three types of reservation systems in India for the scheduled class, scheduled tribe and other backward classes. Previously there were only SC and ST reservations in India. Later in 1987, OBC reservation in India started.

Advantages of Reservation in India

• It is considered as one of the necessary policies for giving equal representations to all sections.
• This system has helped many and is still helping many to grow and achieve their deserved position in different sectors.
• Marginalized and underprivileged get social justice through this scheme.
• It brings people to the same level before coming to any conclusion depending on merit.

Disadvantages of Reservation System

• In many parts of the nation, this system is considered as an internal partition building walls against marriages outside people’s own caste.
• It is considered as the biggest enemy of meritocracy by many people in society. It is believed that due to this scheme many less-deserving candidates achieve something which could never have been possible if the selection was purely done on the basis of merit.
• Caste reservation in India is used as a narrow political tool.
• The so-called forward caste people, many of whom are striving to earn their daily bread, are not able to enjoy any kind of economic advantage over super privileged rich backward caste people. Many believe that if this situation continues for many more years in the future that soon other backward classes will be formed in the society composed of general caste people.
• In many cases, it’s seen that children of highly paid professionals who are in no way underprivileged are taking all the possible benefits from the reservation system where the real underprivileged general candidates are suffering.

Ultimately, the onus is on every single person, availing reservation or not, to be rational and say no discrimination. Reservation can be viewed from different perspectives. One of them is that the SC/ STs and OBCs have been oppressed since ancient times when the upper castes alone enjoyed the privileges of education, politics, religion, freedom and wealth.

Now, when the tables have turned, the forward class or the general category is feeling the heat, the same heat which they might have felt for years, and are still feeling. Reservation to many feels like justice as they believe what goes around comes around.

Reservation system in India is a very controversial issue as there are many people on both sides supporting and disapproving the scheme.

The system is no doubt good but many people strongly believe that there should be proper rule which will prevent the privileged backward caste people from using the scheme and only people who are genuinely underprivileged, will get benefited.

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What is the Reservation Percentage in India?

The system of Reservation in India was introduced to uplift the historically disadvantaged sections of Indian society. Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backwards Classes are provided opportunities by providing them reservations in legislatures, Government Jobs, Promotions, educational scholarships.  The reservation of the percentage in higher education institutions stands at 49.5%. A similar ratio is followed in Parliament. The percentage of reservation varies in each state. Maharashtra is estimated to have the highest percentage of reservation.

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Who Introduced Reservation in India?

The system of reservation existed in India even before independence. Post-independence the system of reservation was framed by the Constituent Assembly which was chaired by Dr. BR Ambedkar . Initially, it was introduced for a time span of 10 years. Post 10 year period, the legislators of India found the necessity to continue the system of the reservation to overcome many years of societal and cultural discrimination of certain sections of society.

Reservation in India

Reservations were included in the Indian Constitution, immediately after independence, as a means to recognise the historical injustice meted out to the people belonging to backward groups and to implement provisions by which they would have better access to resources and opportunities.

Reservations in India were introduced:

• To rectify the past and historical injustice against the backward classes in India
• To ensure that equal representation can be seen from people belonging to all castes in the services under the state and centre
• To provide an equal platform for everyone irrespective of their caste
• To promote and advance the backward classes

Reservation Quota in India

Given below is the distribution of reservation quota in India for applicants for Government jobs or Higher Educational Institutions (as of March 2021) :

What was the Mandal Commission?

• The Mandal Commission was set up on 1st January 1979 by the Indian Government under the then Prime Minister Morarji Desai
• The chief mandate of the Mandal Commission was to identify the socially or educationally backward classes of India and to consider reservations as a means to address caste inequality and discrimination
• The commission developed 11 criteria to identify the backward classes who were called  “Other Backward Classes” or OBCs . The criteria are classified as social, economic and educational
• The Commission was chaired by an MP, B P Mandal and the Commission had submitted its report to the President on 31st December 1980
• In 1990, the then Prime Minister V P Singh announced in the Parliament that the recommendations of the Mandal Commission would be implemented
• The Mandal Commission concluded that India’s population consisted of approximately 52 per cent OBCs, therefore 27% of government jobs should be reserved for them
• In 1992, the SC upheld the 27% reservation for OBCs but also stated that the only caste was not an indicator of social and educational backwardness

To know in detail about the Mandal Commission , candidates can visit the linked article.

Which are Some of the Laws Formulated for Reservation in India?

Some of the prominent laws framed for reservation policies are listed below.

• Article 15(4) – 1st Amendment,1951 – Special provision for Advancement of Backward Classes.
• Article 15(5) – 93rd Amendment, 2006 – Provision of Reservation for Backward, SC, and ST classes in private educational institutions.
• Article 16(3) – Reservation of posts in public employment on the basis of residence
• Article 16(4) – Reservation in public employment for backward classes.
• Article (330 – 342) – talks about special provisions for certain classes of society
• Article 45 – Under Directive Principles of State Policy , states have a duty to raise the standards of living and health of backward classes.
• Article 39 A – Under Directive Principles of State Policy – states have to ensure justice and free legal aid to Economically Backward Classes.

UPSC aspirants must also refer to the links given below and prepare themselves for the upcoming Civil Services Exam:

Which is the latest Amendment in the Constitution to provide Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections of Society in Educational Institutions?

The Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019 received the assent of the President of India on 12th January 2019. It provided 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections amongst the earlier unreserved category students.

Multiple Choice Question

Consider the following Statements

• Article 341 of the Constitution of India defines who would be Scheduled Castes with respect to any State or Union Territory.
• National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is an Indian Constitutional body that was established through the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has been set up under Article 338 A.
• As per the 2011 census, among Indian states and Union Territories, Mizoram and Lakshadweep had the highest percentage of its population as Scheduled Tribe (approximately 95%).
• As per Article 46 of the Constitution of India, States will have to promote and protect the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It shall protect Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from Social Injustice and all forms of exploitation.

Choose the correct answer from the below-given options

A) None of the above statements are false.

B) None of the above statements are true

C) Only statements 1 and 4 are true.

D) Only statements 1 and 3 are true.

Candidates can find the general pattern of the UPSC Exams by visiting the UPSC Syllabus 2024  page.

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Reservation system in india: advantages and disadvantages

•  Monika Chopra

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Reservation system in india: concept, arguments and conclusions.

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Reservation System in India: Concept, Arguments and Conclusions!

Defining Reservation :

Reservation in common terms refers to an act of reserving, keeping back or withholding.

Reservation in the Indian Context :

Reservation in Indian law is a form of affirmative action whereby a percentage of seats are reserved in the public sector units, union and state civil services, union and state government departments and in all public and private educational institutions, except in the religious/ linguistic minority edu­cational institutions, for the socially and educationally backward communities and the Scheduled Castes and Tribes who are inadequately represented in these services and institutions. The reserva­tion policy is also extended for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for representation in the Parliament of India.

The Rationale behind the Concept :

The underlying theory for the provision of reservation by the state is the under-representation of the identifiable groups as a legacy of the Indian caste system. After India gained independence, the Constitution of India listed some erstwhile groups as Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

The framers of the Constitution believed that, due to the caste system, SCs and the STs were historically oppressed and denied respect and equal opportunity in Indian society and were thus under-represented in nation-building activities.

The Constitution laid down 15% and 7.5% of vacan­cies to government aided educational institutes and for jobs in the government/public sector, as reserved quota for the SC and ST candidates respectively for a period of five years, after which the situation was to be reviewed.

The Present Status :

After introducing the provision for reservation once, it got related to vote bank politics and the following governments and the Indian Parliament routinely extended this period, without any free and fair revisions. Later, reservations were introduced for other sections as well.

The Supreme Court ruling that reservations cannot exceed 50% (which it judged would violate equal access guaranteed by the Constitution) has put a cap on reservations. The central government of India reserves 27% of higher education, and individual states may legislate further reservations. Reservation in most states is at 50%, but certain Indian states like Rajasthan have proposed a 68% reservation that includes a 14% reservation for forward castes in services and education.

However, there are states laws that exceed this 50% limit and these are under litigation in the Supreme Court. For example, the caste-based reservation fraction stands at 69% and is applicable to about 87% of the population in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Arguments Offered By Supporters of Reservation :

a. Reservations are a political necessity in India

b. Although Reservation schemes do undermine the quality of education but still Affirmative Action has helped many if not everyone from under-privileged and/or under-represented communities to grow and occupy top positions in the world’s leading industries.

c. Although Reservation schemes do undermine the quality, they are needed to provide social justice to the most marginalized and underprivileged which is their human right.

d. Meritocracy is meaningless without equality. First all people must be brought to the same level, whether it elevates a section or decelerates another, regardless of merit.

e. Reservations have only slowed down the process of “Forward becoming richer and backward becom­ing poorer”.

Arguments Offered by Anti-Reservationists :

a. Intellectuals and Philanthropists agree that reservations will divide India Reservation is similar to internal partition because in addition to being a form of ethnic discrimination, it also builds walls against inter-caste and inter-faith marriages. Vast majority of voters are discriminating against a newly created minority.

b. Reservations are the biggest enemy of meritocracy. By offering reservation through relaxed entry criteria, we are fuelling inflation of moderate credentials as opposed to the promotion of merit based education system, which is the foundation of many progressive countries. Meritocracy should not be polluted by injecting relaxation of entry barriers, rather should be encouraged by offering financial aids to the underprivileged although deserving candidates only. Today the NTs and IIMs hold a high esteem in the global scenario due to their conservation of merit.

c. Caste Based Reservation only perpetuates the notion of caste in society, rather than weakening it as a factor of social consideration, as envisaged by the constitution. Reservation is a tool to meet narrow political ends.

d. Affirmative Action can be provided at a more comprehensive level taking into account various factors of exclusion such as caste, economic conditions, gender, kind of schooling received etc. A comprehensive scheme of Affirmative Action would be more beneficial than reservations in addressing concerns of social justice.

e. Allocating quotas is a form of discrimination which is contrary to the right to equality.

f. There is great confusion in the “pro-reservation camp”. While they clamour for 33% reservation for women in parliament and state legislatures [and do not accept caste quotas as part of women’s quotas], they do not want special consideration for women in quotas in higher education. This is implicit acceptance of the fact that there are multiple factors of exclusion and discrimination at work in society.

g. The policy of reservation has never been subject to a widespread social or political audit. Before extending reservation to more groups, the entire policy needs to be properly examined, and its ben­efits over a span of nearly 60 years have to be gauged.

h. Poor people from “forward castes” do not have any social or economical advantage over rich people from backward caste.

i. Combination of factors like Wealth, Income, and Occupation etc will help to identify real needy people. Most often, only the economically sound people make use of most of the seats reserved for “back­ward” castes, thus making the aim a total failure.

j. There is fear that reservation once introduced will never be withdrawn even if there is a proof for upliftment of backward classes, due to political issues. For example, in Tamil Nadu, forward castes were able to secure only 3% of total seats (and 9% in Open Competition) in professional institutions at Undergraduate level as against their population percentage of 13%. This is a clear case of reverse discrimination.

k. Many cite the Mandal Commission report while supporting the idea of reservations. According to the Mandal commission, 52% of the Indians belong to OBC category, while according to National Sample Survey 1999-2000, this figure is only 36% (32% excluding Muslim OBCs).

l. This policy of the government has already caused increase in brain drain and may aggravate further. Under graduates and graduates will start moving to foreign universities for higher education.

Committees and Commissions on the Issue of Reservation :

a. 1882 – Hunter Commission was appointed. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule made a demand of free and compulsory education for all along with proportionate reservation/representation in government jobs.

b. 1953-Kalelkar Commission was established to assess the situation of the socially and educationally backward class. The report was accepted as far as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were concerned. The recommendations for OBC’s were rejected.

c. 1979-Mandal Commission was established to assess the situation of the socially and educationally backward. The commission didn’t have exact figures for a sub-caste, known as the Other Backward Class (OBC), and used the 1930 census data, further classifying 1,257 communities as backward, to estimate the OBC population at 52%.ln 1980, the commission submitted a report, and recommended changes to the existing quotas, increasing them from 22% to 49.5%.ln 1990, the Mandal commission recommendations were implemented in Government Jobs by Vishwanath Pratap Singh. Student Organisations launched nationwide agitations. Rajiv Goswami, a Delhi university student attempted self-immolation. Many students followed suit.

d. 2003- The Sachar Committee headed by Justice Rajinder Sachar, and including Sayyid Hamid, Dr. T.K. Ooman, M.A. Basith, Dr.Akhtar Majeed, Dr.Abu Saleh Shariff and Dr.Rakesh Basant was appointed for preparation of a report on the social, economic and educational status of the Muslim community of India. Dr.Syed Zafar Mahmood was the civil servant appointed by the PM as Officer on Special Duty to the Committee. The committee submitted its report in the year 2006.

Implementation of Sachar Committee Recommendations: Marching Towards ‘Inclusive Growth’:

Welfare of Minorities, specially of the underprivileged section of them, has been put high on the agenda of the UPA Government ever since it adopted ‘inclusive growth’ as its guiding principle of governance. Otherwise too, in every meaningful democracy, it’s the duty of the state, and as a corollary, responsibility of the majority community to ensure the welfare of minorities so that all sections of the society feel proud to be part of the democratic setup and thus contribute their best to the development of the nation.

Specially in our historical context: where all communities and sections of people had marched shoulder to shoulder and laid down their lives in the War of Independence, the concept of ‘Inclusive Growth’ becomes sine qua non for the roadmap of devel­opment and progress.

It was in this context that the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, had appointed in March 2005 a High Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Justice Rajindar Sachar to prepare a report on social, economic and educational status of the Muslim Community of India.

This study was necessary because till then there was no authentic information on the social, economic and educational backwardness, of this community, thereby hampering proper formulation and implementation of specific policies, interventions and programmes to address the issues relating to its socio-economic backwardness.

This 7-member High Level Committee, popularly known as Sachar Committee, gave its report in November 2006 – and it clearly found that the Muslim community was really “seriously lagging behind in terms of most of the human development indicators.”

The Government immediately sensed the gravity of the problem and started working on the follow-up action in right earnest. Of the 76 recommendations of the Committee, 72 were accepted. Ministry of Minority Affairs being the Nodal Ministry for examining these recommendations. And in less than a year, i.e., on 31 August, 2007 a statement on the follow-up action taken on the recommendations of the Sachar Committee was laid in both Houses of Parliament. The progress of implementation is being reviewed regularly.

Ever since the Government has been taking regular steps towards implementation of major recommendations of the Sachar Committee. Education being the most powerful means of socio­economic transformation, a multi-pronged strategy to address the educational backwardness of the Muslim community, as brought out by the Sachar Committee, has been adopted.

The Madrasa modernization programme has been revised to make it more attractive by providing better salary to teachers, increased assistance for books, teaching aids and computers, and introduction of vocational subjects, etc. This scheme, now known as Quality Improvement in Madrasa Education, has been launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

A new centrally sponsored scheme of financial assistance for Infrastructure Development of Privately Managed Elementary/Secondary/Senior Secondary schools set up for minorities has been launched. National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has prepared text books for all classes in the light of the National Curriculum Framework-2005.

Thirteen universities have been provided Rs.40 lakh each for starting centers for studying social exclusion and inclusive policy for minorities and scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Under the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya scheme (KGBV), criteria of educational backward blocks has been revised with effect from 1st April 2008 to cover blocks with less than 30% rural female literacy and in urban areas with less than national average of female literacy 53.67 % (Census 2001).

Universalization of access to quality education at secondary stage (SUCCESS) has been approved. Setting up of new Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSSs) is being incorporated in the revised schemes by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Provision of more girls’ hostels in colleges and universities in minority concentration districts/blocks is proposed under the existing University Grants Commission scheme of the Ministry of HRD.

Three scholarship schemes for minority communities viz., Pre-Matric, Post-Matric and Merit- cum-Means were launched and 6.89 lakh scholarships were awarded to students belonging to minority communities in 2008-09. The corpus of Maulana Azad Education Foundation, which stood at Rs. 100 crores, was doubled to Rs. 200 crores in December, 2006.

The corpus was increased by Rs. 50 crores in 2007-08 and by Rs. 60 crore in 2008-09. A budget provision of Rs.115 crore has been made in 2009-10. A revised Coaching and Allied scheme was launched and 5522 candidates belonging to minority communities were provided assistance in 2008-09.

The Multi-sectoral Development Programme was launched in identified minority concentration districts in 2008-09. Plans of 47 Minority Concentration Districts (MCDs) in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Bihar, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Orissa were approved and Rs.270.85 crores were released in 2008-09. In the current Financial Year.

Plans of more than a dozen more MCDs have been approved till date. An inter-ministerial Task Force constituted to devise an appropriate strategy and action plan for developing 338 identified towns, having substantial minority population, rapidly in a holistic manner submitted its report on 8th November, 2007. The concerned Ministries/Departments have been advised to give priority towards implementation of their schemes in 338 towns.

Economic factor being an important tool in the upliftment of a community, all public sector banks have been directed to open more branches in districts having a substantial minority population. In 2007-08, 523 branches were opened in such districts. In 2008-09, 524 new branches were opened.

Reserve Bank of India revised its Master Circular on 5th July, 2007 on priority sector lending for improving credit facilities to minority communities. Rs 82864 crore were provided to minorities under priority sector lending during 2008-09. District Consultative Committees (DCCs) of lead banks have been directed to regularly monitor disposal and rejection of loan applications from minorities. The Government has accorded ‘in principle’ approval for restructuring of National.

Minorities Development and Finance Corporation:

A National Data Bank, to compile data on the various socio-economic and basic amenities parameters for socio-religious communities, has been set up in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. An autonomous Assessment & Monitoring Authority (AMA), to analyse data collected for taking appropriate and corrective policy decisions, has been set up in the Planning Commission.

A training module has been developed by the Indian Institute of Public Administration, for sensitization of government officials. The module has been sent to the Central/ State Training Institutes for implementation. Lai Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) has prepared a module for sensitization of organized civil services and it has been incorporated in their training programmes.

Under Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT), additional central assistance of Rs 1602.20 crore has been sanctioned for 69 towns having substantial minority population, out of which Rs.659.37 crore was released in 2008-09.

A High Level Committee, set up to review the Delimitation Act, has considered the concerns expressed in the Sachar Committee report and submitted its report. Guidelines on Communal Harmony have been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Dissemination of information regarding health and family welfare schemes is being undertaken in regional languages in minority concentration areas.

State Governments and UTs have been advised by Department of Personnel & Training for posting of Muslim police personnel in thanas and Muslim health personnel and teachers in Muslim concentration areas. State Governments have been advised by Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Urban Development, to improve representation of minorities in local bodies.

The recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Wakfs have been received. These have been processed as per approved modalities. An expert group constituted to study and recommend the structure and functions of an Equal Opportunity Commission submitted its report on 13th March, 2008.

This has been processed, along with the report of the expert group on diversity index, as per the approved modalities. To meet the ever growing need for ameliorating the condition of minorities, and Muslim community in particular, the Annual Plan allocation for the Ministry of Minority Affair is has been increased substantially to Rs 1,740 crore for the year 2009-10.

Conclusion:

The issue of reservation has remained a cause of disagreement between the reserved and the non- reserved sections of the society. While the unreserved segments, keep on opposing the provision, the neediest sections from within the reserved segments are hardly aware about how to get benefited from the provision or even whether there are such provisions.

On the contrary, the creamy layer among the same segment is enjoying special privileges in the name of reservation and political factions are supporting them for vote banks. Reservation is no doubt good, as far as it is a method of appropriate positive discrimination for the benefit of the downtrodden and economically backward Sections o, the society but when it tends to harm the society and ensures privileges for some at the cost of others for narrow political ends, as it is in the present form, it should be done away with, as soon possible.

Related Articles:

• Reservation in India: Controversy, Justification and Criticism
• Mandal Commission : Reservation for Backward Class

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Advantages & Disadvantages of Reservation System and Amendments in The Constitution

Updated November 10, 2022

Reservation system as statutory provisions in India is not quite a new thing. However, the debate of Disadvantages of Reservation vs Advantages of reservation is a popular pastime among the Indian intellectuals of today. But, let me put it up correct way that reservation is a constitutional provision aiming to to uplift the social and educational status of backward communities in India.

Usually, under the reservation system, a certain percentage of seats is reserved for backward communities in government jobs and academic institutions. Although, the reservation system play crucial in uplifting socially and educationally backward communities, it also contributes to a larger extent in degrading the quality of candidates. Degrading in the sense, that one who needs lesser merit, toils lesser which automatically undermines the quality of the candidate.

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So, reservations has both good and bad aspects i.e., on one hand, it allows in increasing the number of people from backward sections in various decision-making while on another hand it makes meritocracy meaningless. Apparently, the major loophole in the reservation systems is that it failed in meeting its true objective of uplifting who are in need. Fact is that, not every one deserving but a very concentrated number of people of the backward community or dominant class in the backward community are beneficiaries of it.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Reservation Provisions

Yes, like every constitutional tool for the benefit of deserving people, provisions of reservation seems to be hijacked. The reservation system initially envisioned as a great tool to uplift socio-economic level of the people appears to have been mis-used at times too. Let’s have both sides of the coin one by one:

Advantages of Reservation

(i). It helps people from backward sections to get access in various decision making i.e., Increase in representation from different sections of society. (ii). It has helped some people from unprivileged sections to achieve higher posts or services in the public sector as well as in some private institutions. (iii). Whenever people from backward community face breaching of their human right, reservation encourage them to fight for their justice.

(iv). Meritocracy is meaningless without equality. When we talk about merit, every people should be brought at the same level from social and educational status perspective. And, reservation is a key to meet the objective of bringing social and educational equality in society. (v). Reservation has slowed down the process of forward becoming richer and backward becoming poorer

Disadvantages of Reservation

(i). It is like caste-based discrimination which resulted in a barrier for inter-caste marriages. (ii). It makes meritocracy meaningless and contributes a lot to the degradation of the quality of students and workers enrolled in different institutions. (iii). Everyone likes to have a casteism-free society but It propagates the notion of a caste-based society instead of eliminating it.

(iv). Poor people from upper castes don’t have any social or economic advantage over rich people from backward castes. If this prevails, it may result in the formation of another backward caste of people belonging from poor people of the upper caste. (v). Not every people but largely dominant class in backward castes are beneficiaries of reservation. The marginalized section still remains marginalized.

Which Article of the Indian Constitution Makes for Reservation

Described in Articles 15 and 16 of the Indian Constitution, it allows the Government of India to set quotas to ensure the proper representation of any “socially and educationally backward class citizens” in public. It aims to realize the promise of equality described in the Constitution of India.

Amendments in Constitution for Reservation System

It would be quite relevant to make note of certain constitutional amendments that have taken forward the idea of uplifting the marginalized. Important ones are below:

Ninety-fifth Amendment of the Constitution of India

The Ninety-fifth Amendment of the Indian Constitution, officially known as The Constitution Act 2009. The amendment was made to extend the period of reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and representation of the Anglo-Indians in the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies for another ten years (up to 26 January 2020).

Article 334 of the Constitution had originally required the reservation of elected seats to cease in 1960, but this was extended to 1970 by the 8th Amendment. The period of reservation was extended to 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010 by the 23rd, 45th, 62nd, and 79th Amendments respectively. The 95th Amendment extended the period of the reservation to 2020. The period of reservation was further extended to 2030 by the 104th Amendment.

Introduction of Mandal Commission

On 1 st January 1979 by the government of the Janata Party under prime minister Morarji Desai, the Mandal Commission or SEBC (the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission) was established to identify the socially or educationally backward classes of India. Late B.P. Mandal an Indian parliamentarian headed this commission to determine backwardness by using 11 social, economic, and educational indicators.

In 1980, on the basis of these indicators, 52% of the Indian population was found as OBC’s, and the commission’s report recommended that members of Other Backward Classes (OBC) be granted reservations to 27% of jobs under the Central government and public sector undertakings, thus making the total number of reservations for SC, ST and OBC to 49%.

One Hundred and Third Amendment of the Constitution of India

The One Hundred and Third Amendment of the Constitution of India, officially known as the Constitution Act 2019. The amendment was made to introduce a 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of society for admission to Central Government-run educational institutions and private educational institutions (except for minority educational institutions), and for employment in Central Government jobs. Such reservations are not mandatory in State Government-run educational institutions or State Government jobs under this amendment but some states have chosen to implement it.

Currently, a person with an annual gross household income of up to ₹8 lakh can only avail of the quota. Families that own a house over 1,000 square feet, over 5 acres of agricultural land, a plot of over 100-yards in a municipal area, or over a 200-yards plot in a non-municipal area are not eligible for this reservation. Persons belonging to communities such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and the “creamy layer” of OBC’s are also not eligible to avail of this quota because they already have the reservation.

The Way Forward

Caste-based reservation system in a government institution and jobs is not an actual solution to bring social equality or to provide social and educational justice to unprivileged society.

It should be rather economy based so that every person from any community who is financially weak could be the beneficiary of reservation and uplift their social and educational status.

We keep posting valuable articles for exams of PSC and UPSC Civil Services which could be equally useful for other competitive exams like Bank PO, Staff Selection Commission, State Public Services Commission, and various others. So, keep visiting the site Career101.in to get more valuable study material and do share this article to let others benefit from.

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Insights into Editorial: The key to revitalising India’s reservation system

Recently, the central government approved reservation for the OBC and EWS (Economically Weaker Section) categories within the All India Quota (AIQ) for NEET, the uniform entrance examination for medical and dental colleges across the country.

Hoardings and posters lauding the government for introducing reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examinations and a renewed debate on caste census have once again brought the debate on affirmative action in the limelight.

The idea of reservation policy should be maintained, and the actual backward classes who are in real and not fiction denied access to education, job opportunities etc be benefitted.

Reservation system in India:

Reservation in Indian law is a form of affirmative action whereby a percentage of seats are reserved in the public sector units, union and state civil services, union and state government departments and in all public and private educational institutions, except in the religious/ linguistic minority edu­cational institutions, for the socially and educationally backward communities who are inadequately represented in these services and institutions.

• The affirmative action programme that was envisaged during the founding moments of the republic is indeed one of the remarkable provisions to have been worked out by our Constitution makers.
• It has been historically significant in enunciating the principle of justice in a deeply unequal and oppressive social order such as ours.
• Part XVI deals with reservation of SC and ST in Central and State legislatures.
• Article 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution enabled the State and Central Governments to reserve seats in government services for the members of the SC and ST.
• The issue of reservation has remained a cause of disagreement between the reserved and the non- reserved sections of the society.
• While the unreserved segments, keep on opposing the provision, the neediest sections from within the reserved segments are hardly aware about how to get benefited from the provision or even whether there are such provisions.
• On the contrary, the creamy layer among the same segment is enjoying special privileges in the name of reservation and political factions are supporting them for vote banks.

Still no visible equity translation:

The reservation system aims to uplift the lower sections of society which, through the ages, have been exploited and deprived of rights and basic amenities.

They are supposed to become a part of mainstream society and, as a result, people will start accepting them.

While it is undeniable that these provisions have been one of the protagonists of Indian democracy’s success stories, these have also accumulated a fair share of problems and call for immediate policy attention and debate.

Through reservation of seats in political and public institutions of the state, it was thought that the hitherto marginalised groups which have suffered generations of oppression and humiliation would, finally, be able to find place in the power sharing and decision-making processes.

However, this strategy of removal of disabilities has not translated into an equalisation of life chances for many groups in our heterogeneous society.

Problems with current policy:

• There is now a strong demand from those who have not been able to accrue the benefits of reservations from within the marginalised sections , to devise some policy option which may be able to supplement the existing system of reservation.
• The fact that the current system suffers from the “ problem of reification ” is not just wishful thinking, but a hard fact .
• The data released by the Justice G. Rohini Commission’s report on the sub-categorisation of OBCs gives a good synoptic view to understand this.
• Based on the last five years’ data on appointments in central government jobs and OBC admissions to central higher education institutions, the commission concluded that 97% of central OBC quota benefits go to just under 25% of its castes.
• As many as 983 OBC communities — 37% of the total have zero representation in both central government jobs and admissions to central universities .
• Also, the report states that just 10% of the OBC communities have accrued 24.95% of jobs and admissions.
• Clearly, the assumption that the disadvantages of every sub-group within each category are the same is severely misplaced.
• It is important to note that the Rohini Commission’s data are based just on the institutions that come under the purview of the central government.
• We hardly have any legible data on the socio-economic conditions of varied social groups at more local levels of State and society.
• Consequently, asymmetrical distribution of reservation has severely deterred political projects of unified subaltern solidarity.
• Parties that were once able to build large Bahujan solidarities are now finding it difficult to garner such support.
• This should give us hints about the extent of the problem rather than ruling them out as mere conspiracies of breaking lower caste unity.

Need of the Hour: Affirmative action and Equality in opportunities:

What is urgently required is a mechanism that can address this lacuna and make the system more accountable and sensitive to intra-group demands .

Since every further categorisation will only lead to reification and fragmentation in the long run, two things are required .

• One, we urgently need to develop a wide variety of context-sensitive, evidence-based policy options that can be tailored to meet specific requirements of specific groups.
• Two, we need an institution alike the Equal Opportunities Commission of the United States or the United Kingdom which can undertake two important but interrelated things: make a deprivation index correlating data from the socio-economic-based census of different communities including caste, gender, religion, and other group inequalities and rank them to make tailor made policies .
• Undertake an audit on performance of employers and educational institutions on non-discrimination and equal opportunity and issue codes of good practice in different sectors.
• This will make the formulation of policy and its monitoring simpler at an institutional level.

Way Forward:

As evident, a socio-economic caste-based census becomes a necessary precondition to initiate any meaningful reform in the affirmative action regime in India.

It is worth noting that similar suggestions were made a decade ago in the recommendations that the expert committee for an Equal Opportunities Commission (2008) made in its comprehensive report that it submitted to the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

However, little policy progress has been made in this regard. Successive governments have been reluctant to engage with such radical policy options, almost always caving in to immediate and myopic political gains.

Conclusion:

Reservation is no doubt good, as far as it is a method of appropriate positive discrimination for the benefit of the downtrodden and economically backward Sections , the society but when it tends to harm the society and ensures privileges for some at the cost of others for narrow political ends , as it is in the present form, it should be done away with, as soon possible.

As underlined above, there is a dire need of accurate data pertaining to the socio-economic condition of different social groups.

Though caste-based reservations have been pivotal in animating upward social mobility and led to the emergence of a handful of politically mature and visible Dalit-Bahujan castes, we hardly have sufficient data about the actual reach and access of this policy measure.

The marginal majority within still dwells in the waiting room of history, waiting to see the light of the policy grid of the state.

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