Reservation in India

For abolishing the old-age norms related to the caste-based system, reservation was established. Although the reservation system provides a lot of support in breaking down the norms and beliefs prevalent in the community, it has its repercussions that again influence the less privileged people. 

To understand the concept of reservation and actively participate in the nation’s development, we should know about the reservation system. This article consists of all the aspects related to reservation and how it supports the underserved people and increases their participation in societal activities, which directly enhances community welfare. 

Meaning and Definition

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the meaning of the word ‘reserved’ means giving a unique position to something. The term ‘reservation’ means a seat, table, room, etc., that someone has secured.

As per the Indian system, reservation is an ordinance through which a fixed number of seats in educational institutions, government jobs, legislatures, etc., are reserved for the less privileged members of society.

In other words, through reservation, access to education, employment opportunities, and legislatures are provided to specific categories of the population. It is also referred to as affirmative action, as ‘positive discrimination’ is incorporated in the reservation. It is positive discrimination for the underserved people who are poor and lack basic necessities. In India, reservation is a government policy built in the constitution. 

The Historical Concept for the Reservation System

Elimination of the age-old injustice prevalent in Indian culture is the purpose of reservation. To an extent, it is a policy pursued by the central and state governments to rectify the historical injustice against the so-called ‘lower castes’.

According to Hindu dharma shastras, the prevalence of the caste system in Indian society has been mainstream from ancient times, which hinder the development of the lower category people. In other words, consequences of the caste system still exist in society.

The Need for Reservation in India 

The government’s responsibility is to provide an equal status and opportunity to every citizen of the country. For many years, reservation has been considered a tool against the social evils—oppression and injustice against certain groups. That’s why reservation is referred to as affirmative action, supporting the upliftment of backward classes.

However, it’s not the only way to abolish societal inequalities. There are other methods that improve the status of the lower category people such as scholarships, funds, free coaching, and other social welfare programs.

Initially, the reservation intends to upgrade the status of Scheduled caste and scheduled tribes communities only, and the period for that is of 10 years only (1951-1961). However, implementation of the Mandal Commission Report incorporates Other Backward Communities (OBCs) in the reservation system and broadens the scope of reservation. Criteria for providing reservation status has also changed throughout the years. Furthermore, now the introduction of economic status for reservation is also included which makes it more complicated.

Other Measures Against Inequalities

Although through the reservation, the status of backward classes has improved, it is not a single option against the societal norms and stereotypes. Apart from reservation, other facilities and services are incorporated in the policies to support the less privileged people, such as relaxations in the age for ST/SC groups or girls and providing scholarships and fee relaxation for them. These steps by the government help in promoting the welfare of the society, which directly links with the nation’s development. 

The Primary Purpose of the Reservation System

According to the Indian Constitution, there are two primary objectives of the reservation system.

• Development of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) or any other socially and economically backward categories of population, e.g., OBC or economically weaker section (EWS), according to Article 15(4), Article 15(5), and Article 15 (6) of the constitution.
• Representation of any backward group of citizens or economically weaker sections (EWS) in every area of service under the nation.

In the Indian context, reservation is allotted in the following areas:

• Government educational bodies such as IITs, IIMs, etc., according to Articles 15- 4, 5, and 6.
• Government employment opportunities such as IAS, IPS, etc., according to Articles 16- 4 and 6.
• Legislature like parliament and state-based alliances, according to Article 334.

Apart from the reservation system, other services are also provided to improve the status of backward classes such as quota, additional relaxations including upper age relaxation, additional tries, and lower cut-off marks. 

Conclusion

Reservation is a solution for many marginalised groups. There are many people in India who seek reservations for resolving the deep-rooted problems associated with the caste-based system. Throughout the years, the Indian constitution has amended new policies in reservation for making it an equal and right-based approach for everyone. There are many other forms of support provided by the government to the less privileged groups and improve their status of living.