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Problems of Reservation

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18 views3 pages

Problems of Reservation

Uploaded by

Akom
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Reservation in India refers to the practice of reserving a certain percentage of seats in government jobs,

educational institutions, and legislatures for various underrepresented and marginalized communities.
This system aims to address historical injustices and inequalities faced by certain sections of society,
particularly Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It has its
roots in the Indian Constitution, which envisions social justice and equal opportunities for all.

### **Kinds of Reservation in India:

1. Caste-Based Reservation:

Scheduled Castes (SCs): These are communities that were historically subjected to untouchability and
severe social exclusion. The reservation ensures their inclusion in education, employment, and politics.

Scheduled Tribes (STs): Indigenous tribal communities, often isolated and underdeveloped, are
provided reservations to promote their social and economic progress.

Other Backward Classes (OBCs): Communities that are socially and educationally backward receive
reservations to level the playing field. The Mandal Commission in 1980 popularized OBC reservations.

2. Economic Reservation (EWS):

- In 2019, the Indian government introduced a 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections
(EWS) among the general category. This aimed to address economic disparities by providing
opportunities based on income rather than caste.

3. Gender-Based Reservation:

- Various state governments and institutions offer reservations for women in local elections,
government jobs, and educational institutions. Recently, discussions around reservations for women in
Parliament have gained momentum with the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill (2023), aiming to
reserve 33% of seats in legislatures for women.

4. Disability Reservation:

- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, mandates a 4% reservation for persons with
disabilities in government jobs and educational institutions.

Reservation as a Social Problem in India:


While the reservation system has been essential for uplifting marginalized groups, it has also sparked
debates and controversies. Some of the key social problems associated with the reservation system
include:

1. Perceived Inequality and Meritocracy Debate:

Critics argue that reservation undermines meritocracy by giving preference to candidates based on
their caste or economic background, rather than merit or competence. This argument is especially
prominent in the competitive job and education sectors.

2. Caste-Based Polarization:

The reservation system, while aimed at reducing caste discrimination, sometimes reinforces caste
identities. It can deepen caste-based divisions in society, leading to polarization and social tension. This
has been evident in protests and counter-protests for and against reservation by various caste groups.

3. Demand for Inclusion of New Groups:

Various communities, like the Jats, Marathas, and Patels, have demanded to be included in the
reservation system, claiming backward status. This has resulted in protests, violent clashes, and
significant political pressure, further complicating the reservation discourse.

4. Inter-Community Tensions:

The competition for limited reserved seats among SCs, STs, OBCs, and other communities sometimes
leads to friction between these groups. Some communities feel that they are being left behind, while
others benefit disproportionately.

5. Creamy Layer Concept:

In the case of OBCs, the concept of the "creamy layer" was introduced to exclude economically well-
off members of the backward classes from availing reservation benefits. However, this has led to
debates about who qualifies for benefits, and whether it truly reaches the neediest sections.
6. Urban-Rural Divide:

The effectiveness of reservation in uplifting marginalized communities is often questioned in rural


areas, where entrenched caste hierarchies still dominate. Reservation benefits, particularly in education
and jobs, are more accessible to urban populations, leading to further inequalities within marginalized
groups.

7. Political Tool:

Reservation is often used as a political tool to garner votes from specific communities. Politicians
promise reservations to new communities, making it a highly politicized issue rather than one rooted
solely in the quest for social justice.

8. Economic Backwardness Not Addressed:

While caste-based reservations aim to address social injustices, they do not directly tackle economic
backwardness across caste lines. The introduction of EWS reservations is a step toward addressing this,
but critics argue that it doesn’t solve the underlying problem of poverty, which affects all castes.

Conclusion:

The reservation system in India, designed to promote equality and social justice, remains a deeply
contested issue. While it has certainly helped marginalized communities gain access to opportunities, its
limitations and consequences have sparked widespread debate. Balancing merit, equity, and justice in a
diverse society like India remains one of its biggest challenges, and the future of the reservation policy
will likely evolve with the country’s changing social and political dynamics.

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