Reservation in India: Empowerment, Inequality and Policy Reform

Abstract

Reservation in India is a form of affirmative action policy that provides special treatment to certain sections of society in education, employment, and other areas. In the past, reservation was designed to correct the historical imbalance and give opportunities to certain sections of society, such as Dalits and Adivasis. Currently, the caste system, which is still prevalent in Indian society, helps people gain access to jobs, education, and other areas through reservations; at the same time, the brightest people may be denied qualified jobs and seats in the education sector. Historically, Dalits and Adivasis were discriminated against in both employment and education. However, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, during the time of the Constitution, supported the reservation policy with the objective of improving the lives of the weaker sections of society and giving them equal opportunities in employment, education, and other areas. He also suggested that the reservation policy should continue for a limited period, up to ten years; however, due to political pressures and subsequent amendments to the Constitution, reservations are still in place today. In the current scenario, reservations are based on caste, and not on the economic status of the people. As a result, the reservation policy has become a political tool in the hands of political parties, who divide society along caste lines. Currently, people are judged and selected on the basis of their caste, and not on their merit or talent. The government must ensure that all citizens have an equal opportunity based on talent and not on caste. Although the reservation policy is beneficial to the neediest sections of society compared to those who are economically better off, the government must provide proper and accurate information about the true meaning and implications of reservations.