In India, the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) are the main groups affected by historical and systemic imbalances that are addressed through the caste-based reservation system. To advance social fairness and upliftment, this system allotted a specific proportion of seats in lawmakers, government employment, and educational institutions to these groups.
Context of History
Caste System- The old Indian caste system ranked people according to their place of birth, with Brahmins (priests) at the top and Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborers) at the bottom. The Dalits (formerly known as "untouchables") were subject to severe discrimination and social marginalization outside of this system.
Colonial Period- To safeguard the reduction of value in some communities, the Britishers started applying quotas in some areas.
After Independence- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a well-known Dalit advocate, advised the Indian Constitution writers to include measures for caste-based reservation to advance equality and correct past inequalities after the country gained independence in 1947.
Legal Structure
Constitutional Concepts- The Indian Constitution's Articles 15(4) and 16(4) give the state the authority to create specific measures for the growth of any socially and academically disadvantaged groups, including SCs and STs.
Scheduled Castes (SC)- In past centuries, these groups have been viewed as "untouchables."
Scheduled Tribes (ST)- Tribes of regional people who experience social and economic discrimination and live in isolation.
Other Backward Classes (OBC)- Certain castes do not fit within the SC or ST categories, but they are socially and educationally disadvantaged.
Current Reservation Structure
Scheduled Castes (SCs)- 15% of positions in government jobs and education are reserved.
Scheduled Tribes (STs)- 7.5% of positions are reserved.
Other Backward Classes (OBCs)- 27% reservation was added when the Mandal Commission's recommendations were put into practice in 1990.
Economically Weaker Sections(EWS)- In 2019, an all-caste 10% quota was instituted for the financially disadvantaged inside the general (non-reserved) category in response to complaints that the reservation system had overlooked financially disadvantaged groups.
Disputations and Obstacles
Equity vs Social Justice- Reservations, according to their opponents, should be based on economic standing rather than caste because they weaken meritocracy. Advocates contend that caste is still a significant factor in determining social and educational success, necessitating the use of caste-based discrimination.
Creamy Layered Concept- The term "creamy layer" in the context of the OBC category describes the more affluent or wealthy people within the group who are not eligible for reservation benefits. There have been requests to include SCs and STs in the concept.
Extension of Reservation- There have been disturbances in several areas as a result of demands from various communities, including the Patels, Marathas, and Jats, to be included in the OBC category.
Court Inspection- The Supreme Court had a major influence on reservation policy, setting a 50% limitation (however the EWS quota introduced a challenge to this limit).
Effect of Reservation
Education- Reservations have given overlooked populations better chances of receiving education. There has been a rise in the number of SC, ST, and OBC students at prestigious universities such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
Employment- Better participation of these groups in public sector positions has resulted from caste-based reservations in government employment; nonetheless, the private sector is still largely unregulated in this region.
Politics- Legislative organizations also have allocated seats for SCs and STs in the state assembly and the parliament, which increases the political representation of excluded communities.
Latest Advancements
The constitutional idea of discrimination based on social backwardness has been questioned about the 10% EWS quota for economically weaker sectors, prompting legal challenges.
Discussions about Grading Out- Although some political voices suggest that caste-based reservations should be eased out progressively as society becomes more equal, others believe that the continuation of caste-based restrictions is still necessary due to deeply established differences.
Conclusion
In India, the caste-based reservation system is still an essential weapon for correcting past wrongs and advancing social justice. It is still a controversial topic, nevertheless, with discussions centered on striking a balance between merit-based economic standards, and social fairness.
