The issue of reservation in india remains one of the most contentious and emotionally charged topics in public discourse. Originally introduced as a temporary affirmative action measure to uplift historically oppressed and marginalized communities, particularly Scheduled Castes (SC), scheduled tribes (ST), and later Other backward classes (OBC), the policy was meant to bridge centuries of inequality and social injustice.
However, after 78 years, many critics argue that the policy has outlived its original purpose in its current form and has instead morphed into a political tool. The very fact that reservations continue to exist—and even expand—after nearly eight decades raises legitimate questions about whether the approach has worked effectively or if it is being used more to retain vote banks than to genuinely address inequality.
Supporters of the reservation argue that systemic discrimination and generational disadvantages cannot be erased in a few decades, and therefore, reservations continue to be a necessary safeguard. However, critics point out that while some families and individuals have undoubtedly benefited, the benefits are often cornered by a small, well-educated, urban elite within the reserved categories, leaving the most disadvantaged still behind.
This creates a creamy layer within the reserved communities and fuels resentment among general category citizens who feel increasingly excluded despite their merit. The lack of sunset clauses, the absence of economic-based filters for benefits, and politically motivated expansions of reservation quotas reinforce the perception that the policy is less about social justice today and more about electoral arithmetic.
What’s deeply concerning is that the continuation of caste-based reservations may be inadvertently locking india into a perpetual identity trap, where caste remains a primary determinant of opportunity rather than merit, skill, or socio-economic background. Instead of focusing on education reform, economic empowerment, and structural inclusion for all underprivileged people—regardless of caste—politicians often rely on reservation promises to win elections.
This fosters a regressive cycle where divisions are deepened, aspirations are stifled, and genuine development is sidelined. If india is to move forward, there needs to be a bold and honest dialogue: one that respects the original intent of reservation but is also courageous enough to rethink it in the context of today’s realities.
However, after 78 years, many critics argue that the policy has outlived its original purpose in its current form and has instead morphed into a political tool. The very fact that reservations continue to exist—and even expand—after nearly eight decades raises legitimate questions about whether the approach has worked effectively or if it is being used more to retain vote banks than to genuinely address inequality.
Supporters of the reservation argue that systemic discrimination and generational disadvantages cannot be erased in a few decades, and therefore, reservations continue to be a necessary safeguard. However, critics point out that while some families and individuals have undoubtedly benefited, the benefits are often cornered by a small, well-educated, urban elite within the reserved categories, leaving the most disadvantaged still behind.
This creates a creamy layer within the reserved communities and fuels resentment among general category citizens who feel increasingly excluded despite their merit. The lack of sunset clauses, the absence of economic-based filters for benefits, and politically motivated expansions of reservation quotas reinforce the perception that the policy is less about social justice today and more about electoral arithmetic.
What’s deeply concerning is that the continuation of caste-based reservations may be inadvertently locking india into a perpetual identity trap, where caste remains a primary determinant of opportunity rather than merit, skill, or socio-economic background. Instead of focusing on education reform, economic empowerment, and structural inclusion for all underprivileged people—regardless of caste—politicians often rely on reservation promises to win elections.
This fosters a regressive cycle where divisions are deepened, aspirations are stifled, and genuine development is sidelined. If india is to move forward, there needs to be a bold and honest dialogue: one that respects the original intent of reservation but is also courageous enough to rethink it in the context of today’s realities.
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