Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: THE EVOLVING DISCOURSE ON RESERVATION IN INDIAThe reservation system in India stands as a significant affirmative action mechanism, primarily designed to address historical discrimination and the pervasive social inequalities stemming from the caste system.For decades, this system has aimed to uplift historically marginalized communities by reserving a certain percentage of seats in government jobs, educational institutions, and legislatures.However, the existing caste-based approach has faced increasing scrutiny and criticism regarding its limitations in fully addressing the complex realities of socio-economic disadvantage.Arguments have been made about its inability to account for economic disparities that exist across all caste lines and the exclusion of other forms of disadvantage such as gender, disability, and geographic isolation.In response to these limitations, there is a growing recognition of the need to explore alternative models for affirmative action that can more accurately identify and address the multi-faceted nature of socio-economic disadvantage.One such promising alternative is the multi-factor point-based reservation model.This model proposes a shift from a singular focus on caste to a more comprehensive evaluation of an individual's socio-economic status, utilizing a range of indicators to determine eligibility for reservation benefits.By assigning points based on various factors beyond caste, this approach aims to create a more nuanced and equitable system that can better target those most in need of affirmative action, irrespective of their caste identity. II. THE HISTORICAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATION OF CASTE-BASED RESERVATIONSThe concept of reservation for backward castes in jobs and education in India predates the country's independence.Even during the British colonial era, the seeds of affirmative action were sown in response to persistent social inequalities.Notably, social reformers like Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in 1882 advocated for proportional representation in British government jobs, alongside free and compulsory education for all.In the early 20th century, princely states like Travancore (1891), Kolhapur under Shahu Maharaj (1901), and Mysore (1918) introduced reservations in government jobs and education to address the underrepresentation of certain communities.The British administration also implemented measures recognizing caste as a basis for political representation, laying the groundwork for future policies.The Communal Award of 1933, introduced by British Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald, proposed separate electorates for various communities, including Dalits.However, this was later modified by the Poona Pact in 1932, an agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, which established a single Hindu electorate with reserved seats for the depressed classes.Following India's independence in 1947, the framers of the Constitution, under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, incorporated provisions for reservations to ensure equal opportunity and address historical injustices faced by Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).Articles 15(4) and 16(4) explicitly empowered the state to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, including SCs and STs.Initially, these reservations were introduced for a period of ten years but have been continually extended due to the persistence of social inequalities.A significant expansion of the reservation system occurred in 1990 with the implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendations, extending reservations to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), who were identified as socially and educationally backward.The Mandal Commission, established in 1979, identified 3,743 OBC castes and recommended a 27% reservation for them in government jobs and educational institutions, in addition to the existing reservations for SCs (15%) and STs (7.5%).Over time, the reservation policies have evolved further.The 77th and 85th Amendments addressed reservations in promotions for SCs and STs.More recently, the 103rd Amendment in 2019 introduced a 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) from the general category, marking a shift towards considering economic criteria alongside caste.
Author: Sangeeta Sahu
Language: English
Subfield: Philosophy
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409528819