Caste-based Reservation in India In UPSC

 

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.

The historical context and the need for caste-based reservations:

The caste system in India, which divided society into hierarchical groups, produced a discriminatory framework, limiting lower castes' access to education, jobs, and sociopolitical activity. 

Historically, SCs, STs, and OBCs were denied basic human rights, locked in cycles of poverty, and discriminated against in practically every aspect of life. This fundamental inequality is why the framers of India's Constitution, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, added caste-based reservations. 

These were viewed as a tool for uplifting and empowering previously disadvantaged populations by giving them access to education, government jobs, and political power.

Reservation in India.

Reservations were included in the Indian Constitution soon after independence as a means of identifying the past injustice imposed out to persons belonging to backward groups and implementing provisions that would provide them greater access to resources and opportunities.

Reservations in India were introduced:

To rectify the past and historical injustice against the disadvantaged classes in India.

To ensure that people belonging to all castes can see equal representation in the services under the state and center

To provide an equal platform for everyone, regardless of caste.

To promote and advance the backward classes.

                               Reservations in India

Category	Reservation Percentage
Scheduled Caste	15%
Scheduled Tribe	7.5%
Other Backward Classes	27%
Economically Weaker Sections	10%
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities	4%

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.

Criticism of Caste-Based Reservations

Caste-based reservations faced criticism despite their good intentions. The possibility that the system may maintain caste identities rather than abolish them is one of the key worries. 

By making caste an important factor in decisions about schooling and employment, critics argue that reservations serve to further reinforce caste divisions.

Caste-Based Reservations vs. Economic Backwardness: The question of whether reservations should be created according on economic position as compared to caste is one that is often challenged. 

Many argue that economic hardship surpasses caste boundaries and that poor members of higher castes also encounter obstacles in obtaining employment and education. 

It is argued that reservations based on caste do not adequately address the complexity of inequality in contemporary India.

The Silky Layer Debate: The term "creamy layer" in the context of the OBC category designates individuals who are affluent and should not be eligible for reservations. 

This idea was presented in order to keep the advantages of reservations from being restricted to a select, well-off segment of the OBC population.

 But criticism has been leveled at its patchy execution.

 Conclusion: The Way Forward

In conclusion, caste-based reservations have been crucial in rectifying past injustices and promoting social mobility in India. 

Even while the system is not perfect and causes controversy, it is still an essential instrument for building a society that is more equal and fair. 

Still, the reservation system needs to change with India. Addressing economic inequality and ensuring that the advantages of reservations go to people who are actually in need are pressing issues.

The difficulty lies in finding a balance between social justice and meritocracy, making sure that reservations based on caste do not exacerbate current divisions but rather help to create a society that is more equitable and just. 

For India's reservation laws to remain relevant in the twenty-first century, they must be continuously improved and revised.