Reservation in India is an education subject that has seen a lot of debate within decades. It is as delicate as it is relevant since it is a social and political concern. The reservation policy was first introduced to ensure the mainstreaming of the social and educationally backward castes but over the years, more and more reasons came out in defense as well as opposition to the policy.
The pertinent question therefore in today, as we have been rapidly entering the 21 st century, is that whether the reservation system in education is still a boon or has this system now turned out to be a handicap?
What is Reservation?
Reservation is a type of positive discrimination policy (Affirmative Action), which aims to provide opportunities in education, employment and political representation to communities that have been historically deprived and exploited.
In India, this policy is mainly applicable to the following classes:
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC)
- More recently, Economically Weaker Section General (EWS)
This reservation system is applicable in government universities, IITs, IIMs, medical colleges and educational institutions run by the central and state governments.
Why did reservation start?
The purpose of reservation was never to give privileges, but to compensate for historical injustice. India’s caste system deprived Dalits and tribals of education, resources and opportunities for centuries. To rectify these inequalities, reservation was provided in the Constitution under the leadership of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.
The period of reservation in the Constitution was fixed for only 10 years, but with time it was seen that social inequalities still persist. Therefore, it was extended from time to time and later the OBC category was also included in it.
Current status of reservation: Who, how much?
At present, the reservation in higher education institutions run by the Central Government is as follows:
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 15%
- Scheduled Tribe (ST): 7.5%
- Other Backward Class (OBC): 27%
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS): 10%
- That is, about 60% of the seats are reserved, and the remaining 40% are for the general category.
- Reservation: A boon Now let us understand how reservation has changed the educational landscape of India.
Social justice and inclusiveness
Reservation has given access to education to those sections of the society who earlier could not even reach the school gates. This is a strong step towards social inclusiveness.
Increase in enrolment rate in higher education
There has been a significant increase in the rate of admission of SC/ST/OBC students in colleges and universities. This makes it clear that reservation has opened the doors of opportunity.
A diverse education system
The classroom environment is enriched by dialogue and experience sharing among students from different social backgrounds. It develops the thinking and understanding of all students.
It is not alms, but a corrective measure
The purpose of reservation is not to give anything for free to anyone, but to compensate for years of injustice. When a class has been deprived for centuries, just giving them an equal opportunity is not enough — they need an incentive.
Representation in professional fields
Due to reservation, more SC/ST students are now becoming doctors, engineers, lawyers, and administrative officers. This is very important for social balance.
Reservation: As a curse
Now let us also look at those arguments according to which reservation is now becoming a problem.
Hurt on merit: It is argued that the reservation system ignores merit. This creates dissatisfaction among those students who are unable to get admission even after scoring high marks.
The question of creamy layer
While there is a concept of creamy layer in OBC category (economically well-off people do not get reservation), there is no such clear system in SC/ST. Due to this, many times needy students are left behind.
Tendency of dependency
Many times, if reservation continues for a long time, it reduces the sense of competition among students. Some students become dependent only on reservation, instead of working hard.
Inequality between urban and rural classes
Only students from urban and educated families of reserved categories are able to take advantage of reservation. The real needy – rural, poor and first generation students – are left behind.
Negative social image
Students who get admission through reservation are often considered weak or “less qualified”. This has a bad effect on their self-esteem and confidence.
Is economic reservation a better option?
In 2019, the government made a provision of 10% reservation for economically weaker (EWS) people of general category. This has again started the debate whether reservation should now be based on economic status rather than caste.
Two sides:
Arguments in favour: Poverty is the biggest barrier today, not caste.
Arguments against: Caste discrimination still exists and this inequality cannot be eliminated on economic grounds alone.
Options to improve the current reservation system
- Instead of abolishing reservation, it can be made more effective by bringing some necessary improvements in it:
- Accurate identification of beneficiaries: The benefits of reservation should reach only those students who are really in need – like rural, low-income and first-generation students.
- Pre-admission support: Foundation courses, free coaching and bridge programs will make it easier to bring students into the mainstream.
- Quota within quota: Priority should be given to the most backward groups even within SC/ST/OBC categories.
- Time-bound reservation: Evaluation should be done at a fixed time and if a group has been empowered, it should be gradually brought into the mainstream.
- Reforms at school level: If primary and secondary education is strengthened, the need for reservation in higher education will automatically decrease.
Conclusion
The reservation system in education is a sensitive but necessary system that plays an important role in maintaining the balance of society. But now the time has come to honestly review and reform this system.
Reservation is neither a complete boon, nor a complete curse. It is a tool – which can lead society towards progress if used correctly, and towards division if used carelessly.
