Paper: GS – II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Legal issues, Issue: Debates surrounding the reservation policy.
Context:
The debate on caste-based reservations has resurfaced after renewed political promises such as Bihar’s call for 85% quota and judicial scrutiny over creamy layer. With structural inequities exposed by the Rohini Commission, the reservation system stands at a crossroad between social justice and equality of opportunity.
Key Takeaways:
Evolution of Reservation & Judicial Limits:
- Constitutional basis:
- Article 15: Permits special provisions in education.
- Article 16: Allows reservation in public employment.
- Judicial interventions:
- Current limits: 59.5% reservations at central level (OBC 27%, SC 15%, ST 7.5%, EWS 10%).
Key Challenges in Present Reservation System:
Implications of the current debate:
- India’s affirmative action debate mirrors global struggles such as affirmative action rollback in U.S., quota policies in Brazil etc.
- The current reservation debate also highlights tension between formal equality (same rules for all) vs substantive equality (different treatment for historically disadvantaged).
Reforms needed:
Equitable Reservation Design and Social Inclusion Strategies:
Conclusion:
India’s reservation system is at an inflection point. A balanced approach through caste census, sub-categorisation, creamy layer for SC/ST, and skill-building can ensure that reservations remain a tool of empowerment, not just a political slogan. The challenge lies in harmonizing constitutional equality with social justice imperatives in a diverse democracy.
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