Caste-based reservations, a response to centuries of historical inequalities and discrimination, are affirmative action policies implemented in India and a few other South Asian countries. These policies aim to uplift marginalised communities by providing them with reserved quotas in education, government jobs, and political representation. The goal is to promote social justice, equal opportunity, and access to resources for those systematically excluded due to their caste.
Background on the Caste System. The caste system has been a hierarchical social stratification in South Asia for thousands of years, particularly in Hindu society. It divides people into rigid categories based on occupation and family lineage. The four main varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras) form the broader structure, with “Dalits” (formerly referred to as “Untouchables”) and Adivasis (Indigenous tribes) falling outside the formal varna system, facing extreme discrimination and exclusion. Despite the legal abolishment of caste-based discrimination in India, these social structures continue to influence access to resources, social mobility, and opportunities to a large extent.
Objectives of Caste-Based Reservations
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- Social Justice. Caste-based reservations aim to correct centuries of oppression and discrimination against lower castes, especially Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). By providing them with reserved quotas in education, government jobs, and political representation, these policies not only strive to bring about a more just and equitable society in the present but also pave the way for a more optimistic future.
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- Equal Opportunity. Caste-based reservations are a crucial step towards providing historically marginalised communities with access to education and employment opportunities they were denied due to their caste. These policies aim to rectify past injustices and create a more inclusive society by ensuring equal opportunities.
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- Political Representation. To ensure that marginalised communities have a voice in governance by reserving seats for them in political institutions such as state legislatures and Parliament.
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- Economic Upliftment. Another important objective of caste-based reservations is contributing to society’s economic upliftment. These policies aim to help bridge the socioeconomic gap between the upper castes and the historically disadvantaged groups by offering reservations in jobs and educational institutions.
Key Features of Caste-Based Reservations
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- Educational Quotas. Some seats are reserved in public educational institutions for SC, ST, and OBC students. This is meant to increase access to higher education for marginalised communities who may not have had the same opportunities.
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- Government Job Quotas. Reservations also exist in government jobs, where a proportion of positions are reserved for SCs, STs, and OBCs. This has been crucial in enabling economic mobility and representation of lower-caste individuals in the public sector.
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- Political Reservations. In Parliament, state legislative assemblies, and local bodies like Panchayats, a proportion of seats are reserved for SC and ST candidates, ensuring their participation in the political process.
Legal Framework.
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- The Constitution of India (1950). The Indian Constitution, under Articles 15 and 16, provides for affirmative action and explicitly allows caste-based reservations to promote social and educational advancement for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
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- Mandal Commission (1980). One of the most significant legal steps towards caste-based reservations was the Mandal Commission’s recommendation of a 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions, which was later implemented in the 1990s. This was in addition to the existing reservations for SCs (15%) and STs (7.5%).
Controversies and Criticisms of Caste-Based Reservations
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- Merit vs. Social Justice. One of the primary arguments against caste-based reservations is that they undermine meritocracy by reserving seats for individuals based on caste rather than merit or ability. Critics argue that this can lower overall standards in education and employment.
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- Perpetuation of Caste Identity. Opponents claim that caste-based reservations reinforce caste identities rather than diminishing them, as the system incentivises individuals to retain their caste identity for social and economic benefits.
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- Economic Inequality Overlooked. Critics argue that reservations based solely on caste ignore economic inequalities within castes. Upper-caste individuals in poverty may be just as disadvantaged as lower-caste individuals but lack access to the same benefits.
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- Exclusion of Forward Castes. Many from the so-called “upper castes” or “forward castes” believe that they are being unfairly disadvantaged, notably economically weaker sections (EWS) among them. The Indian government responded to this criticism by introducing a 10% quota for EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) in 2019, which applies to those who do not benefit from existing reservations.
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- Intra-Caste Inequality. Significant socioeconomic status variations within the reserved categories (SCs, STs, and OBCs) exist. Some argue that the benefits of reservations are disproportionately enjoyed by a small segment of these communities, referred to as the “creamy layer,” while the most disadvantaged remain excluded.
Justifications and Support for Caste-Based Reservations
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- Corrective Action: Proponents argue that reservations correct the historical injustices and discrimination faced by SCs, STs, and OBCs. They help level the playing field in a society where social mobility has traditionally been constrained by caste.
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- Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Reservations have helped create a middle class among Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs, who have benefitted from better access to education and jobs. This breaks the cycle of generational poverty and promotes upward mobility.
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- Social Inclusion: Caste-based reservations promote social inclusion and ensure that all sections of society have a voice in the political process and access to economic opportunities.
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- Empowerment of Marginalised Groups: Political and economic empowerment through reservations is crucial for developing marginalised communities historically excluded from power structures.
Alternatives and Proposals for Reform
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- Economic Criteria for Reservations. Some have proposed shifting from a caste-based to an income-based reservation system to address concerns about economic inequality across all castes. However, this is controversial as caste discrimination persists irrespective of financial status.
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- Reducing Caste Quotas over Time. Others have suggested a phased reduction in reservations as more marginalised communities attain socioeconomic parity with forward castes. This approach sees reservations as a temporary corrective rather than a permanent feature.
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- Focusing on Education at Primary Levels. Many argue that addressing inequality through better access to primary and secondary education, rather than reservations at higher levels, would better prepare marginalised communities for competition in a merit-based system.
Caste-based reservations are an intensely debated but integral part of India’s affirmative action framework, which aims to redress historical injustices and provide opportunities for marginalised groups. While these policies have successfully promoted social mobility and political representation, they continue to generate controversy over merit, economic inequality, and the persistence of caste identity in public life. Whether or not reforms or alternatives emerge, caste-based reservations remain central to discussions on equality, justice, and social transformation in India.
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