Reservation in Indian Society(History vs Now)

Reservation in India has been the most contentious social policy since independence. Originally brought in as a gesture of affirmative action to promote the Scheduled Castes (SCs), then Scheduled Tribes (STs), and subsequently Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the reservation system was an attempt to offer equal opportunity in education, employment, and politics. Yet, in the current socio-political scenario, the salience, efficacy, and merit of reservation remain hotly debated. To assess whether reservation is good for Indian society, it is important to evaluate it from both historical and contemporary viewpoints.

Historical Justification

Historically, Indian society was deeply divided along caste lines, with Dalits and lower castes facing centuries of social exclusion, discrimination, and economic deprivation. The caste system prevented millions from accessing education, land, temples, and political representation. Recognizing this injustice, B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, incorporated provisions for reservation in government employment, legislatures, and educational institutions. The intention was to provide the marginalized communities with a reasonable opportunity to join the mainstream of national development and undo the injustices perpetrated against them in the past.

At that point of time, reservation was felt necessary for the establishment of a democratic and inclusive India. It was not favoritism but a form of social justice which was required.

Present-Day Relevance

In modern India, discrimination and casteism persist, if not as overtly or directly as before, then in more systemic or subtle ways. Equality of access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities still eludes many, particularly those living in rural and underdeveloped regions. Under such circumstances, reservation remains a leveling factor, enabling students and professionals from disadvantaged sections to compete in what is otherwise a socio-economically privileged system.

Additionally, reservation has facilitated democratic representation of marginalized communities in bureaucracy, academia, and politics, which has resulted in inclusive policymaking. Such success stories of Dalit IAS officials, tribal physicians, and OBC entrepreneurs are proofs of the empowerment that is possible through reservation.

Criticism and Concerns

While it has its advantages, the policy of reservations is also criticized. The biggest drawback is the development of the "creamy layer"—the better-off and educated among backward classes who continue to reap the benefits, excluding the needy in many cases. This has sparked calls for internal classification and redrawing of quotas within these classes.

Another point of concern is the issue of meritocracy. Opponents point out that reservation at times undermines academic and professional qualifications by giving jobs to people on the basis of caste instead of ability. There is also the fear of reverse discrimination when economically weaker sections and especially people from the general category feel excluded despite their merit.

By way of response, the government brought in a 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in the general category in 2019. This is a movement towards the consideration of economic factors over caste, and marks the changing dynamics of the debate around reservation.

Conclusion

Then is reservation right for Indian society? The answer depends on how it is being done and why. Reservation, in the past and even now, is very important in ensuring social justice and representation. But at the same time, it has to adapt itself to the times. Reforming the system, making it more inclusive, merit-based, and targeted towards reaching the really disadvantaged—whether because of caste or economics—should be the aim of policymakers.

Eventually, reservation must not be viewed as a permanent support, but a short-term correction aid which assists in creating a society in which opportunities are not controlled by birth, but by merit, access, and hard work.

 

[Simran Rai]

Reservation in India has remained one of the most debated and emotionally charged public policies since the country's independence. Introduced as a measure to counterbalance the entrenched caste-based discrimination and to uplift historically marginalized communities, it was envisioned as a mechanism of affirmative action to ensure equal opportunities. Over time, the framework expanded to include Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and more recently, Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) among the general category. As India advances into the 21st century, the question of whether reservation remains beneficial continues to be a complex discussion rooted in history, current realities, and evolving societal aspirations.


From a historical perspective, reservation was a necessary corrective tool. The Indian caste system institutionalized inequality for centuries, systematically depriving entire communities of basic rights such as education, employment, and political participation. The framers of the Indian Constitution, led by B.R. Ambedkar, rightly recognized the need for structural reforms that would uplift these communities. The idea was not merely about compensating for historical wrongs but about integrating those who were left behind into the nation's mainstream development. Without such provisions, a large portion of India’s population would have remained marginalized, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and social exclusion.


In present-day India, while constitutional and legal safeguards exist, caste-based disparities still persist in various forms. Whether through access to education, healthcare, housing, or employment opportunities, the imbalance is evident, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions. Reservation continues to play a vital role in addressing this gap by providing disadvantaged communities with the means to access resources that were historically denied. It has paved the way for increased representation in civil services, political bodies, educational institutions, and the private sector, leading to more inclusive governance and decision-making processes.


However, the policy is not without its flaws and criticisms. A prominent issue is the emergence of the "creamy layer" among the OBCs and other reserved groups, wherein a small elite continues to benefit repeatedly, often at the expense of those who are truly marginalized. This has led to demands for sub-categorization and more refined targeting of benefits. Additionally, concerns about the dilution of merit and efficiency have surfaced, with critics arguing that caste-based reservation may sometimes compromise standards in professional sectors and educational institutions. These arguments fuel the narrative of reverse discrimination, especially among individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the general category.


In response to growing concerns, the government introduced a 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections in 2019. This move marked a significant shift towards economic criteria, indicating a broader acknowledgment that poverty and lack of access are not confined to caste lines. While caste remains a strong determinant of disadvantage in Indian society, economic-based reservation opens new dimensions to ensure that those in genuine need receive support, regardless of social groupings.


For reservation to be truly effective and fair, continuous reform is necessary. Policymakers need to adopt a dynamic approach that evaluates eligibility and impact. There must be better data collection, periodic review of beneficiary lists, and stricter enforcement of creamy layer exclusions. Additionally, improving foundational public services such as school education, healthcare, and vocational training will ensure that marginalized groups are not just given access but are truly empowered to compete on equal terms.


Ultimately, reservation should not be seen as an end in itself but as a means to a more equitable society. It must evolve from being a compensatory mechanism to a transitional support system aimed at achieving real equality. The focus should remain on uplifting the most vulnerable sections while fostering a culture of merit, fairness, and inclusivity. Balancing social justice with efficiency is the key to making reservation a tool of empowerment rather than division.​