RESERVATION SYSTEM IN INDIA
The reservation system in India refers to the process of reserving certain seats in government education systems, institutions, and jobs for some of the classes, such as Schedule tribes, Schedule Castes, and other backward classes, etc. The reservation system refers to the process of reserving certain seats in government education systems, institutions, and jobs for some of the classes, such as Schedule tribes, Schedule Castes, and other backward classes, etc.
Reservation in India refers to the practice of reserving a certain percentage of seats in government institutions for people belonging to backward and under-represented communities. Furthermore, reservation in its essence is a type of quota-based affirmative action. The primary beneficiaries of the reservation policies under the Constitution are the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Furthermore, this concept was made part of the Constitution to let the deprived classes come at par with the privileged classes. Initially, the idea was to make a reservation policy only for ten years after the independence to facilitate the development of the underprivileged sections. However, the situation now is such that even after more than seventy years of independence, the reservation policy is still in place.
Problems Associated with Reservation Policy
One can attribute the origin of the reservation system to the age-old caste system of India. According to the caste system, the division of the people was to take place based on occupation. As such, various sects came up like teaching and preaching (Brahmins), kingship and war (Kshatriya), and business (Vaishya). Soon, however, the system became an instrument of dividing the society based on caste. Furthermore, this led to the creation of various walls between the different sections of society. After independence, the main objective of the reservation policy was to uplift the untouchables who had to suffer maximum marginalization. Today, the division of the Indian society has taken place into Hindu, Muslim, SC, ST, OBC, etc. Furthermore, demands for newer reservations are also coming from Christians, Jats, Pandits, Tribal, etc.
Unfortunately, there has been the failure of the policy to achieve its aim to uplift the marginalized classes. Rather, the reservation policy has become a political tool in the hands of politicians. Furthermore, the rift in the caste system is becoming deeper.
The 93rd Amendment stirred the anger of the youth, in general, all over the country. Furthermore, protests took place from various sections of society. Moreover, the reason for the anger of the youth was that the development of one section of society cannot take place at the cost of the other sections.
Conclusion
Reservation in India has been playing a major role in the politics of India. Furthermore, it has now become an integral part of Indian society, despite the criticism it had to face. Overall, it can be said that while the intention behind reservation cannot be blamed, it is the faulty implementation that has been the main problem. Due to the caste system’s widespread dominance in Hindu cultures, the quota system in India was established to elevate some castes who were subjected to atrocities, economic backwardness, and social exclusion. It is critical to preserve the reservation system’s concept, as well as the real and imagined backward classes who are denied access to school and employment prospects. To claim on the profit stairwells, the reservation system should not be used as a ladder, nor should it be used for money or other connected interests for those who are considered backward.
BHAVAY KHANNA
BBA.LLB DELHI
METROPOLITAN EDUCATION
