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November 08, 2024 06:52
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Reservations in India reserve seats in government jobs, educational institutions, and even legislatures. Learn more about Reservations in India and caste reservations.
The reservation system in India aims to provide equal opportunities for historically marginalized communities, such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Established to counteract centuries of discrimination and social inequality, the reservation system allows disadvantaged groups to hold a certain percentage of seats in government jobs, educational institutions, and legislatures. Understanding the reservation policy’s evolution, structure, and current impact is crucial for UPSC aspirants.
The reservation system in India is designed to promote inclusivity and ensure equal opportunities. Communities that have faced social and economic disadvantages due to the age-old caste system. Here are some reasons why the reservation system was introduced:
The caste-based reservation system in India has deep historical roots, to address social inequalities and ensure fair representation.
What is the Mandal Commission?
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The historical aspect of the reservation policy in India traces back to William Hunter and Jyotirao Phule in 1882. The foundation of this policy was based on addressing the Caste System and the malpractice of untouchability in Indian society. However, the current system of reservation originated in 1933 under British Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald through the Communal Award, which provided separate electorates for Europeans, Anglo-Indians, Indian Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, and Dalits. The Poona Pact on 24th September 1932, an agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar, modified this, establishing a single electorate for Hindus but with specific reservations for the depressed classes.
When the Constituent Assembly was drafting the Constitution of India, the issue of social discrimination based on the caste system was a significant barrier to achieving equality. Thus, reservations for socially backward classes were incorporated into the Constitution. Initially, reservations were introduced for SCs and STs for a 10-year period but continued with extensions and modifications, including the 104th Amendment, which extended this period to 2030.
Following the Mandal Commission’s recommendations, OBCs were brought under the reservation system, receiving 27% of reserved seats, while SCs were allocated 15% and STs 7.5%. Additionally, the 103rd Constitutional Amendment on 14 January 2019 introduced a 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in the general category under Articles 15(6) and 16(6) of the Constitution. This reservation for the EWS was implemented in addition to the existing 50% reservation cap for SC/ST/OBC categories.
The reservation policy aims to provide equal opportunities to underrepresented communities and reduce social and economic disparities. The government reserves seats in educational institutions and public sector jobs to ensure fair representation of marginalized communities.
The Constitution also reserves seats for SCs and STs in Parliament and state legislatures.
The current reservation percentages in India are based on caste and other social categories:
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities | 4% |
The reservation policy benefits three major groups: Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
Educational institutions in India, especially government and publicly funded colleges have set aside seats for various reserved categories.
Several landmark Supreme Court cases have shaped India’s reservation system.
Indra Sawhney Case (1992): This case, also known as the Mandal Commission case, upheld the reservation for OBCs but capped total reservations at 50%.
M. Nagaraj Case (2006): The court upheld the reservation in promotions for SCs and STs, with conditions.
Janhit Abhiyan Case (2022): Upheld 10% EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) reservation.
EWS Quota Case (2019): In Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (2022), the Supreme Court of India upheld the constitutional validity of the Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019 that introduced reservations for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of society.
Reservation has led to significant social change, helping marginalized communities gain better access to resources, but it has also faced criticism.
The reservation system is likely to evolve in response to changing socio-economic conditions and demands for fairer representation.
Questions on reservation in India are frequently asked in the UPSC exam, covering its history, constitutional provisions, and current issues. UPSC aspirants should prepare thoroughly, focusing on landmark cases, recent amendments, and the social impact of reservation policies.
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