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In India, the reservation system
is a scheme that provides a certain number of seats in government-funded
educational institutions & jobs for people from special groups. These
groups are known as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, & Other Backward
Classes. The aim of this scheme is to provide equality to socially and financially
backward castes. The reservation scheme is also provided minority communities. It
is provided to backward classes because they faced injustice in past history. They
faced injustice due to their caste identity. That’s why the reservation scheme
is provided to them. William Hunter and Jyotirao Phule in 1882 give the idea of
reservation scheme. This scheme is governed by government poilicies and
supported by Indian Constitution. In the beginning it is provided to SC and ST
castes. But in 1991 on the recommendation of Mandal Commission other backward
castes also included.
This system was introduced to
give people from SC, ST, & OBC communities’ equal opportunities. These
groups have faced discrimination & unfair treatment for many years. The
reservation system aims to help them overcome these challenges & achieve
success.
Seat Reservation: A fixed percentage of seats in government-funded
colleges & universities are reserved for SC, ST, & OBC candidates.
Eligibility Criteria: The candidates from these groups must meet
specific requirements, such as income limits and caste certificates, to be
eligible for reservation benefits.
Horizontal Reservation: In addition to vertical reservation based
on caste, horizontal reservation is implemented to provide opportunities for
marginalized groups within the reserved categories, such as women, persons with
disabilities, & economically weaker sections.
Social Justice: It helps address historical injustices &
provides opportunities for marginalized groups.
Diversity: It promotes diversity in educational institutions &
workplaces.
Economic Empowerment: It can help improve the economic conditions
of SC, ST, & OBC communities.
Merit vs. Equality: Some people argue that reservation undermines
merit-based selection & may lead to the admission of less qualified
candidates.
Inefficiency: Others argue that reservation can lead to inefficiencies
in educational institutions.
Elite Capture: There are concerns that the benefits of reservation
may be disproportionately captured by the upper castes within the reserved
categories.
The reservation system is a subject
of ongoing debate and discussion in India. While there is general agreement on
the need for affirmative action, there are differing views on the effectiveness
of the current policies and the need for reforms. Some of the key areas of
debate include:
Adequacy of Reservation Percentages: There are discussions about
whether the current reservation percentages are sufficient to address
historical disparities.
Creamy Layer Exclusion: Some argue for excluding the "creamy
layer" within the reserved categories, those who have achieved economic
and social mobility, to ensure that the benefits reach the most marginalized
members.
Alternative Mechanisms: There are proposals for alternative
mechanisms, such as targeted scholarships and mentorship programs, to address
educational disparities.
In conclusion, the reservation
system in India is a complex issue with both benefits and challenges. While it
has played a crucial role in providing opportunities for historically
marginalized groups, it is also important to address the concerns and
challenges associated with it. Ongoing debates and reforms are essential to
ensure that the system remains relevant and effective in promoting social
justice and equality.
