The term reservation refers to the act of allocating seats or employment opportunities specifically

for individuals belonging to Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs). This assists them in
obtaining opportunities that they may not have had otherwise. In various educational institutions,
universities, workplaces, and other similar avenues, the government provides them with an exclusive
allocation, commonly referred to as a special quota, which guarantees them a specific number of
positions or opportunities.

India has a program known as reservation aimed at assisting individuals belonging to Scheduled
Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs). The intention is to promote fairness and enhance their
opportunities.

Reservation refers to the act of reserving seats or employment opportunities specifically for
individuals belonging to Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs). This assists them in
gaining chances that they may not otherwise have had. The government grants them a specific
allocation, or a designated number of positions, in educational institutions, universities, employment
opportunities, and similar domains.

The foundation of the reservation system in India has been in place since before independence. Dr.
Bhimrao Ambedkar presided over the Constituent Assembly responsible for devising the reservation
system subsequent to gaining independence. After being initially implemented for a decade, the
government recognized the necessity of extending it further to address societal discrimination.

Article 16 and Article 335 in the Constitution of India are the specific sections that pertain to the
topic of reservation.

Art. 16 says that-“No citizen shall, on grounds of only religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of
birth, residence or any of them, be ineligible for, or discriminated against in respect of, any
employment or office under the State.” In India, the allocation percentage for reservation in
Government Jobs and Higher Educational Institutes is 7.5% for Schedule Tribes, 15% for Schedule
Castes, 27% for Other Backward Classes, and 10% for Economically Weaker Sections. This brings the
total reservation quota to 59.5%. Differently-abled individuals are also allocated 3% of the seats. The
reservation system, until 2019, primarily focused on granting benefits based on societal and
educational disadvantage (caste). Nevertheless, in light of the 2019 103rd constitutional
amendment, there is now recognition given to economic disadvantage as well.

Uttar Pradesh is the Indian state with the highest population of Scheduled Caste.

According to the 2011 Census, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Puducherry have the
smallest number of Scheduled tribes in terms of population.

I believe it is crucial to frequently revise the reservation system and policies, considering the present
socio-economic conditions of the country. Regular review is necessary to assess the progress made
up to this point.

The reservation policy brings about positive outcomes, such as providing opportunities and
enhancing their representation. However, there are also obstacles and disparagements. It is
essential to continue our efforts in establishing equal opportunities for all individuals.