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An Evaluationofthe Reservation Systemin India
An Evaluationofthe Reservation Systemin India
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ABSTRACT
In India, the reservation system was established to uplift the people and give them their rights; it has been
effective in promoting social equity and upward mobility. However, t hose from disadvantaged communities
still face barriers to social mobility. The scholarly community has not yet shown interest in studies on sub -
quota within quota. The opportunity to participate equitably and be represented in politics or the educational
system is provided by a reservation system. It was established as a consequence of the long -standing social
structure with the intention of advancing the people and securing their rights. It is specifically mentioned in
the Indian Constitution's Articles 15(4), 15(5), and 15(6). The history of India's reservation policy begins with
the exclusion of the untouchable Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra classes from society. The Supreme
Court of India recently rejected the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward
Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018. The current reservation scheme in India is covered in this article. Reservations
ought to be tailored to the requirements of various communities and only given to people who truly need
them.
The untouchable castes are the most oppressed due to unequal and hierarchical privileges in Indian society,
which is characterized by systemic inequality and discrimination. This research provides a well -organized
analysis of theories and points of view by conceptualizing, explaining, and simulating the interactions between
a subject and its environment. It reviews literature in the relevant areas and draws information from
secondary sources. In order to analyze the nature and dynamics of social and political mobilization as well as
the function of political parties, this paper looks at the present reservation system in India and Tamil Nadu.
They had to reside outside the village because they were rejected by society. They possessed no privileges, as well. They
were deemed impure even in their own shade. Ancient Indians were living in this circumstance. To grant these people
rights, the Reservation policy was thus established. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution makes equality for all very
obvious. In order to better the lives of the Shudras and provide them with equitable rights, opportunities, and treatment with
everyone else, India's reservation system was established. This article will discuss India's present reservation system.
The reservation system in our nation was founded as a result of the long-standing social system. The system's primary goal
is to elevate the populace and grant them their rights. This system's goal is to provide reservation for the development of
Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), as well as for any socially or educationally underprivileged classes or
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of our nation. Although some wealthy groups use the reservation strategy for
SCs/STs, it has been successful. Tamil Nadu passed legislation in 2009 establishing a separate 3% Arunthathiyar
reservation for admission to educational schools and government jobs. Poorer segments of the populace have benefited
from social justice and upward mobility thanks to the SC/ST reservation policy. Although the Indian Constitution
guarantees all citizens equal rights and chances, there are still obstacles to social mobility for those from disadvantaged
groups. The implementation of government policies and programs is intended to improve the upward mobility of
underprivileged populations.
The current researcher learned from the examination of the literature that studies on sub-quota within quota have not yet
attracted the interest of the academic community. Analysis of the reservation system's effects on Tamil Nadu's population
growth is thus required. Considering the foregoing, the primary objective of this work is to provide a theoretical evaluation
of the process of reservation system in India and Tamil Nadu with reference to population growth, unemployment,
resource scarcity, inequality, and poverty in order to promote human growth in the globalised world with the help of
secondary sources of information and statistical data. The study paper raises a significant, urgent, and timely issue that is
relevant from a social, political, and economic viewpoint. The research article's topic is immediately clear from the title
alone and is taken seriously.
Methodology
Indian society was divided into castes with unequal and hierarchical privileges under brahminical Hinduism, with the
untouchables experiencing the worst oppression. Because of Brahminical Hinduism, Indian society is defined by structural
inequality and discrimination, with the untouchable castes being the most oppressed. Due to unequal and hierarchical rights,
untouchable castes, also known as Scheduled Castes, are the most oppressed in Indian culture. In the past, untouchable
castes were denied access to fundamental liberties and experienced exclusion and residential segregation. The separate
reservation for Arunthathiyar, Vanniars, Muslims, and Christians under the unique reservation policy aims to increase the
representation of SCs in educational institutions, the workforce, and government agencies to promote social equality.
This study is both observational and theoretical in nature. This study provides a well-structured analysis of theories and viewpoints.
Conceptualizing and elaborating on how a topic and its surroundings function, as well as looking into or simulating the effects of
those requirements, are all part of this type of research. It only draws information from secondary sources that are pertinent to the
issue under investigation. Theoretically speaking, it is a descriptive and diagnostic architecture.
The compilation of secondary data involves using a variety of reports, both published and unpublished. In addition, a thorough
review of the literature in the pertinent fields was carried out with the aid of the libraries of the University of Madras, Madras
Institute of Development Studies, Connemara Public Library, Higher Education Department of India and Tamil Nadu, Directorate
of Census Operations, Vellore Central Library, and Thiruvalluvar University Library.
educational scholarships, the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and
Economically Backward Classes are given chances. In higher education schools, the percentage of reservations is
49.5%. In India, reservation is permitted in government employment (per Articles 16(4) and 334), government
educational schools (per Articles 15(4), (5), and (6)), and legislatures (both the Parliament and the State
Legislature). The Constitution (77th Amendment) Act of 1995 changed the Constitution, adding a new provision
(4A) to Article 16 that allows the government to offer reservations for promotions. Reservation in promotion by
non-selection is open to SCs and STs in all service groups, namely A, B, C, and D, at a rate of 15% and 7.5%,
respectively. Reservations are offered up to the lowest rung of Group "A" at the same rates in the event of
promotion by selection method.
Since its establishment in 2006, the Coordination Committee on Affirmative Action for Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled
Tribes in the Private Sector has conducted nine meetings. Representatives from the business community are eager to
work with government officials and nonprofit organisations to improve and broaden the existing hiring practises for
the underrepresented groups, particularly the SC and ST, and to promote skill-building and training. For their
member companies, the Apex Industry Associations have developed a Voluntary Code of Conduct (VCC) to
promote inclusion through merit scholarships, career guidance programmes, village adoption, entrepreneurship
programmes and coaching, participation in the national Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, and other means. They
also have to hire at least 25% of their apprentices from SC/ST communities.
The majority of Indians (68%) identify as belonging to a lower group, including 34% of those who belong to either
Scheduled Castes (SCs) or Scheduled Tribes (STs) and 35% of those who belong to Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
or Most Backward Classes. Originally, Article 334 of the Constitution mandated that the reservation of elected seats
terminate in 1960; however, the 8th Amendment extended this deadline to 1970. The 23rd, 45th, 62nd, and 79th
Amendments, consecutively, increased the duration of reservation to 1980, 1990, 20 00, and 2010 respectively.
India has been a pioneer in providing exemptions to underprivileged groups. A key part of Indian articulation has been the
concept of reservations, and, more crucially, the concept of proportional representation of communities. The demands for
quotas made by the backward non-Brahmin groups have culminated in the category known as the Other Backward Classes,
which has been a significant development in the political history of the country. In India, Scheduled Castes (SCs),
Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) receive reservation at rates of 15%, 7.5%, and 27%,
respectively, for direct employment through open competition throughout the country.
The Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018, which gave the
Maratha Community reservations in jobs and public education, was recently overturned by India's Supreme Court. This
article will go over India's present reservation system and its historical foundations.
The Poona Pact was subsequently ratified by B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, which reserved some seats for the
weaker castes of Hindu electors. After freedom, beginning in 1980, significant initiatives for SCs, STs, and Other
Backward Castes (OBC) were put into place. The Indian government established up a Mandal Commission in 1979. This
commission's primary goal was to identify the socially or educationally underprivileged classes and suggest ways to
advance them. According to the Mandal Commission, 27% of government employment in India should be set aside for
OBCs because they make up about 52% of the population. The SC/ST reservation was initially granted for a term of 10
years. Later on, however, it became clear that the reservation system was still necessary in order to address the issue of
social discrimination.
Indian reservations
Reservation is an affirmative action programme in India that gives traditionally underrepresented groups representation in
government programmes, scholarships, and politics. According to provisions in the Indian Constitution, it is permissible for
the Union Government and the States and Territories of India to designate quotas or seats, at a specific percentage, in
educational admissions, employments, political bodies, promotions, etc., for "socially and educationally backward citizens.
The following table – 1, provides information on the reservations made for applicants to positions in government or
educational institutions.
Table – 1
Information on the Reservations Made For Applicants to Positions
in Government and Educational Institutions
Reservation in
S.No. Category
Percentage (%)
It is evident from the above table- 1 that various categories, including SCs, STs, OBCs, and EWS, receive 60% reservation
in regard to government employment and educational institutions. Additionally, reservations are given to disabled
individuals at 4%. This leaves 40% of the places open for applicants with merit. The reservation was initially offered on the
grounds of social and pedagogical depravity. However, following the 2019 103rd Constitutional Amendment, fiscal
backwardness was also taken into account for reservations.
Legal Cases
Indra Sawhney Vs. Union of India: 50% Caste-based Reservation Cap Issued.
The Supreme Court ruled in the case that beneficiaries' reservations should not surpass 50% of India's population. A cap on
caste-based reservations was established as a result of this lawsuit.
Protection of basic rights under Article 15(1) of the Indian Constitution: State of Madras Vs. Champakam
Dorairajan
In this instance, the Madras Government had set aside a certain number of seats in State Medical and Engineering Colleges
for various communities in varying percentages based on race, caste, and faith. As a result, the Supreme Court declared the
legislation unconstitutional because it discriminated against citizens on the basis of their caste and religion, regardless of
their academic ability, and it violated Article 15(1) of the Constitution.
The Constitution's authors meant to include reservations, but their motivation has been called into question. Caste and
religious division in Indian society is largely a result of opposition to the country's quota policy. With reserved weaponry,
political parties are constructing voting banks and offering provisos to India's reservation policy. Seats in various
organizations, government agencies, and higher education institutions have reserved or exclusive access due to
governmental laws, regulations, and administrative measures.
According to Article 340, a commission is mandated to look into the circumstances of socially and educationally
marginalized groups in order to advance equality and opportunity while fostering fraternity, unity, and integrity. To ensure
that democracy is both meaningful and practical, the Constituent Assembly addressed the need to advance social and
economic equality. The laws support equality of opportunity and position in order to uphold the nation's integrity, unity,
and fraternity.
The Indian government has implemented a quota scheme for employment in public sector and government organizations,
but not in minority-run institutions. A quota scheme has been implemented by the Indian government for the
underprivileged. The majority of people in India belong to the backward class, which is behind in politics, schooling, and
other spheres of life. Schedule castes, tribes, and other Backward classes were included in the classification of the
Backward class. Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes will be included in the reservation policy for purposes of
participation in the Indian Parliament. Tribes and castes should be scheduled so that there is sufficient representation in the
government and educational systems.
The SC ruled that the technique of reserving seats based on race, religion, and caste was invalid because it contravened
Article 15 (1) of the Constitution. To foster social justice for all populations, the state upheld the legislation. Due to alleged
violations of Article 15 (1) of the Constitution, this was contested in court. Article 15(4) does not mandate special action,
but it permits the State to make special provisions for socially and educationally underprivileged groups. Clause (4) of
Article 15 has been introduced, enabling the state to make reserves as necessary.
Article 46 of the Indian Constitution describes a "backward class" as "weaker sections of the people" because of poverty
and disabilities, whereas the term is not explicitly defined in the Indian Constitution. Although Article 16 (4) does, the
Indian Constitution does not specify a "backward class" for reservation purposes. In 1992, the Supreme Court of India
declared that the percentage of reservations could not go above 50% because anything more would, in its opinion, violate
the Constitution's guarantee of equitable access.
The order's legality was contested, and the court determined that "backwardness" had to be societal as well as educational.
To identify socially and educationally deficient teachings and to offer assistance, research is crucial. The court ruled that
Article 15 no longer justifies the hierarchy between less developed and more developed countries. (4). Caste is no longer
used to categorize people as being a step behind because the legitimacy of order has been questioned. The Mandal
Commission case set the SC's stance on the subject of reservations for underprivileged groups, which the 9th Judge
contested. The Memorandum of Understanding was contested in court, and the 9th Judge looked over it. Reserving 27% of
government and service positions for members of socially and educationally disadvantaged groups.
The global recession will make things more challenging for Indian traders in 2023. Due to competition for resources, the
reservation system intensified strife between nomadic tribes. The government's failure to keep its pledges led to the
reservation system's demise. Unprivileged individuals should have equal access to opportunities and status from the
government. Reservation is necessary for India to advance. Reservation is one solution, but coaching, funding, and
scholarships are also required to guarantee lower caste people equitable opportunity and status.
People from lower castes do not have comparable opportunities or status. Caste discrimination persists in rural regions,
rendering equality a distant dream. Although equality for all residents is stated in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution,
this ideal is still a long way off due to discrimination. Because of discrimination, equality for those from lower castes is still
a distant ideal. Despite freedom, discrimination against members of lower castes persists.
The government order was immediately met with resistance and had to be suspended. When he was a member of Congress
at the time, the social reformer Periyar E. V. Ramasamy urged his party to support reservation. After the party refused, he
quit and held rallies across Tamil Nadu to rally support for the implementation of the government order. The 'Communal
Government Order' was only passed in 1927 by P. Subbaroyan, Chief Minister of Madras Presidency. Non-Brahmin Hindus
were to receive 44% of all posts, while Brahmins, Muslims, Christians, and Anglo-Indians were to receive 16% each, and
scheduled castes were to receive 8%. Although these figures did not accurately represent their population share, Periyar
referred to them as a "compromise" and accepted them. This ranking was based on English literacy, which was only about
7% at the time. The order remained in force until 1950, and it was used in employment and admissions to educational
institutions. The details of Madras presidency elections from 1920 to 1926 are stated in table-2.
Table- 2
Madras Presidency Elections, 1920-1926
1920 57 - 98
1923 61 13 98
1926 54 18 98
Table – 3
Reservation between different Groups
4. Scheduled Caste 19 18
6. Others 12.95 -
Total 100 69
Source: Compiled and Calculated from various documents and reports of both
Central and State Governments of India.
Table – 4.
The specifics of Tamil Nadu's reservation policy
S. Major Category The subcategory Based on the Based on the Category based
No. based to the based to the Government of Government of to the Indian
Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu, the Government
government government percentage of percentage of
reservations for each reservations for
subcategory each Major
Category
1. Backward Class BC - General 26.5% 30% Backward Class
(BC) BC - Muslims 3.5%
2. Most Backward Most Backward 13% 20%
Class (MBC) Communities
(MBC)
Denotified 7%
Community
(DNC)
3. Scheduled Castes Scheduled Castes 15% 18% Scheduled castes
(others) and scheduled
only for 3% tribes
(Arunthathiyar)
4. Scheduled Tribes 1% No Sub-Categories 1%
Total Reservation Percentage 69%
Brahmins, Christians, and Muslims received 16%. Despite the fact that these figures did not properly reflect their
population share, Periyar referred to them as a "compromise" and accepted them. The Madras High Court declared the
quota unconstitutional in 1950, and the Supreme Court upheld their decision. As a result, the reservation was eliminated.
The underprivileged groups began receiving a 25% allocation in 1951. In 1970, the first Tamil Nadu Backward Classes
Commission, headed by A.N. Sattanathan and President M. Karunanidhi, argued in their report that the upper class of the
backward class, called the "creamy layer," misused the benefits of reservation and hindered the growth of the genuine
backward classes (BC).
The Commission recommended breaking up the "Most Backward Classes" (MBC) and raising limits in order to benefit
everyone. The Commission also suggested imposing some financial limitations to prevent the cream layer from completely
benefiting from reservations. The Commission recommended different boundaries of 16% and 17% for the MBC and BC.
There were 41% of all exemptions in Tamil Nadu. The BC quota was raised from 25% to 31% under the Dravida Munnetra
Kazhagam (DMK) administration in 1971, and the SC and ST reservations were raised from 16% to 18%. During the
DMK's reign from 1971 to 1976, Karunanidhi created a distinct Ministry for the Welfare of the Backward Classes, the first
one in the nation. A total of 49% of the territory was reserved. Based on the Sattanathan Commission's recommendations,
the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, under the leadership of M.G. Ramachandran, chose to adopt the "creamy
layer" principle in 1979. Ramachandran established a 9,000 rupee yearly income cap as the minimum required for
reservation eligibility in 1979. This strategy was met with vocal political opposition.
The Commission estimated that 67 percent of people were classified as backward and asked that 34 caste groups be
dropped and 17 new forward caste groups be introduced. The government maintained the 68 percent quota for SCs, STs,
and backward classes while also adding 29 new caste groups to the roster of those considered to be disadvantaged.
However, no caste groups were left out. In 1987, Vanniar Sangam, the parent body of Pattali Makkal Katchi, blocked state
roads, damaged public property, set fire to Dalit settlements, and cut down trees in order to obtain 20% reservations in the
state government and 2% reservations in the federal government for the Vanniyar Caste. In police shootings, 21 Vanniyars
were slain. The leaders of society met under the direction of MG Ramachandran. He fell sick shortly after and passed away
without making a choice. Following the Vanniyar protests in 1989, the DMK administration divided the 50% BC quota into
a 30% Other Backward Class (OBC) and a 20% MBC portion. The MBC quota entitled the Vanniyars to reservation along
with 106 other caste groups.
Constitutional Amendments Regarding Reservation in Promotions: A Brief Introduction The Supreme Court held
on April 27, 2012, that Section 3(7) of the Uttar Pradesh Civil Servants (Reservation of Seats for Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes) Act, 1994, and Rule 8(A) of the Uttar Pradesh Government Servants'
Seniority List Rules, 1991, as added by the 2007 Amendment Act, was invalid. The Supreme Court's quota for the
promotion of scheduled castes and tribes was widely believed to have been overturned after this decision was rendered,
leading to a great deal of misunderstanding and hypothetical thinking. In this case, the Supreme Court did not invalidate the
quota for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes' promotion.
Based on the opinions the Supreme Court voiced in its 2006 ruling in the Nagaraj case, certain specifics should be given in
this case. Because they lacked those details, the Supreme Court declared the Uttar Pradesh State Act and Rules to be void.
For the same reason, various high courts and supreme courts have rendered judgements identical to this one declaring
invalid the statutes and executive orders of various states that permit reservation in promotion. The custom of reserving
places for promotions was first implemented in 1955. In the Rangachari case of 1962 and the Akila Bharatiya Sosid
Karmachari Sangam case of 1986, the Supreme Court ruled that it was legally legitimate. The 1992 lawsuit of Indira
Chavanne against the Government of India became unresolved as a consequence of the Mandal case, which was regarded as
settled.
According to a section of the decision, the Supreme Court determined that Article 16(4) of the Constitution does not give
the State any authority to grant reservations for promotions. In reality, this issue has more to do with backward classes than
it does with scheduled castes or tribes. The petitioner did not request it in his appeal, but the court determined that there is
no statutory system for the reservation of seats for underprivileged people in promotions. Reservations in promotions at the
time only applied to scheduled castes and tribes. In the aforementioned instance, scheduled castes and tribes were not even
defendants. Five years of leniency were granted by the Mandal Commission's judgment.
The reservation will remain for already-promoted posts during that interim period. The decision has stoked unrest among
Dalit and tribal people, as well as among their advocates. How to obtain a reservation in promotion was the topic of
numerous discussions and seminars, and the government was informed of the circumstances. Three years after it had been
introduced in Parliament, the 77th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1995 was passed by the Central Government. As a
result, Article 16 was amended to include a new clause 4(A) that establishes a quota for scheduled caste communities in
promotions, reverting the situation to what it was prior to the Rangachari and Mandal cases.
Following the Supreme Court's judgements in the cases of Herbal Singh Chauhan, RK Sabharwal, Ajitsingh Januja, and
Ajitsingh (2), the 85th Constitution Amendment Act of 2001 was passed. It gave continuous seniority to scheduled castes
and tribes who were promoted through reservation. The Mandal Commission case resulted in the Supreme Court setting a
50% cap on seat reservations. The 81st Constitutional Amendment Act of 2000 included Clause 4(B) to prohibit the 50%
ceiling from filling open positions that have been unfilled for a long time. Article 335 of the Constitution received a new
clause at the same time that the 82nd Constitutional Amendment Act was presented. It gave the government the authority to
lower the passing score and relax other test requirements in order to reserve seats for the promotion of scheduled castes and
tribes.
Appeals have been made against the aforementioned constitutional changes. All the cases, including Nagaraj's lawsuit
against the Indian government, were heard by the Supreme Court. On October 19, 2006, the Supreme Court's Constitutional
Bench issued a decision in this matter. That is the subject of the so-called Nagaraj case (2006) 8 SCC 212 AIR 27 SC 71.
The Public Servants (Reservation of Seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes) Act of 1994 in
Uttar Pradesh was challenged, and on April 27, 2012, the Supreme Court rendered its decision based on this ruling. This
served as the foundation for rulings by the Supreme Court and various high courts that declared the legislation in some
states that reserved seats for scheduled castes and tribes in promotions unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court decided that the 77th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1995, which added additional clause 4 (A) to
Article 16 of the Constitution, would apply in the Nagaraj case. Furthermore, the court's decision made some additional
observations:
According to Article 16(1) of the Constitution, everyone has a basic right to equality. However, the courts have
held that neither Article 4 nor Article 4(A) of the Constitution should be interpreted as granting the social groups
to whom reservation is given the status of fundamentally protected rights.
The state's judgement is expressed in clause 4. This clause states that backward classes, scheduled castes, and
tribes cannot assert their right to reservations as a basic right. The government has the option to offer or not to
give. Similarly, Section 4(A) grants the state autonomy. Reservation in promotion cannot be regarded as a
fundamental privilege by the scheduled castes and tribes. It is a decision-making authority of the administration.
It is possible for the government to offer reservations in promotions if they are deemed essential. The government must
provide proof that each of the following criteria is satisfied before exercising arbitrary powers:
Compelling reasons.
Backwardness.
Lack of adequate representation.
Creamy layer segments should be excluded.
Should not compromise the efficient administration required by Article 335.
The 50 percent ceiling should not be exceeded.
Reservations should not be extended indefinitely.
The Nagaraj case set forth the conditions of the constitutional amendment that guaranteed promotion reservations for
members of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Since 1955, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes have been subject
to a reservation in promotion policy. It was deemed correct in the 1962 ruling in the Rangachari case. It had been approved
in many other cases prior to the 1992 Mandal case.
The conditions lay down by the Supreme Court in the Nagaraj case after accepting the constitutional amendments made for
this purpose, especially the 77th constitutional amendment, the 85th constitutional amendment, and the 81st and 82nd
constitutional amendments, are the conditions laid down by the Court. In the case of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the
Supreme Court supported the practice of allocating positions in promotions to scheduled castes and tribes, and numerous
High Courts upheld it in cases involving other states. On the grounds that any legislative provisions in other states did not
meet the requirements established in Nagaraj's case, it also invalidated the laws and rules of Uttar Pradesh.
The Constitution still contains Article 16(4A), which permits reservations in promotion, and it has not been abolished.
However, it's a widespread misconception that the Supreme Court invalidated reservations for promotions in the Uttar
Pradesh case. In its ruling in the Nagaraj case, the Supreme Court had to call into question the first and second conditions
stated aforementioned. Their opinions and observations ought to be challenged. Article 16, Sections 4 and 4(A), and Article
15 are also fundamental rights. It is the opinion of many leaders that fundamental rights flow from the constitutional right to
equality. Reservation cannot be claimed as a fundamental right by scheduled castes, tribes, or backward social classes, and
it is not a fundamental right but a discretionary power of the state to grant or not grant it, should be questioned and
countered. Because the Mandal case, in which the Supreme Court's nine-member panel defined the word "Creamy layer" in
terms of socially affluent people or sections, made it abundantly clear that it did not apply to Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
The government's policies have had a different effect on different beneficiaries, resulting in a different quota for Muslims,
Christians, Arunthathiyars, and Vanniars. Separate quotas were established for Arunthathiyars, Vanniars, Muslims, and
Christians as a consequence of the different impacts of government policies. The opinions of respondents regarding
government policies. The majority of respondents, according to the research, concur that dalit unity is unaffected by the
separate reservation for Arunthathiar. The research revealed a link between employment and knowledge of welfare policies,
but education access continues to be a significant obstacle. To ensure equitable access to education, reservation policies
should be applied in a logical and systematic way. Despite being conscious of reservation policy, access to education
remains a significant barrier.
The Reservation Policy ensures equal security for all communities, with special consideration given to SCs/STs. The
Reservation Policy, which was founded on two fundamental tenets of deprivation and systematic discrimination, was a
product of the Hindu social order. Deprivation and prejudice, as well as rectification, were two fundamental tenets of Pro-
Reservation. Deep socioeconomic roots of "untouchability" are addressed by implementing reservations in employment and
school settings. Equal rights and compensatory justice are achieved through government action in the form of reservations
for the less fortunate. However, it has not yet resulted in equal distribution among SCs/STs.
The Reservation Policy is an effective example of politics changing society. Due to its failure to meet the specific
educational requirements and provide health and nutritional measures for underprivileged groups, the State has extended
the Reservation Policy. SC communities have been disproportionately impacted by the Reservation Policy, with those with
dense populations reaping the majority of the advantages. Minor SCs have been disproportionately affected by the
reservation policy, which has led to a 3% reservation for Arunthathiyars in government jobs and school institutions. The
Reservation Policy has had a significantly negative impact on Minor SCs. Smaller SCs have made less progress than bigger
SCs. Given the unequal access to educational institutions, the government created a separate strategy for disadvantaged
individuals.
Through micro-level planning based on the requirements of the population, the State should take proactive measures to
reduce unequal uptake of state-based welfare. To decrease unequal access to state-based welfare, the State should increase
public knowledge of federal government resources. Due to ignorance, SCs lack access to state-based assistance. It is
important to start a public effort against untouchability in primary schools and expand it to other educational facilities,
religious and social organizations, and the workplace. In order to effectively combat poverty and illiteracy in Tamil Nadu, a
public campaign against untouchability needs to be supported by state law. To lower poverty and illiteracy among Tamil
Nadu's socially weaker sections, a public effort against untouchability is required.
The government would need to take a number of actions as part of a coordinated and targeted effort. The SC minority group
deserves improved services, particularly in the areas of literacy, health development, and poverty alleviation. The SC
minority group needs better services, especially in the areas of health improvement, literacy, and poverty reduction. owing
to illiteracy, lack of access to the public educational system. Of course, a number of factors contribute to this predicament.
One of these is the economic downturn that the minority communities in South Carolina are going through; it is advised
that in order to address this, these communities be given access to distinct development programs, granted their financial
challenges, these Communities should be granted their own growth plans.
Reservation Policy is insufficient to help minority SCs progress. The role of government should be to guarantee both
economic and social justice in every society within the country. Minor SCs should have separate welfare programs that are
executed with micro level planning, with special cells for them, and without the involvement of the State or Union Planning
Commissions. To assist minor SCs realize their potential, separate welfare programs should be implemented with micro
level planning. To realize their maximum potential, minor SCs need their own welfare programs. All minor SCs and STs
should be included in the 3% reservation policy, and there should be special initiatives in the areas of charity, health,
literacy, and poverty alleviation.
The House of Representatives, the State Legislative Assembly, and local authorities should all be granted reservations. In
order to combat prejudice and untouchability, Dalit political parties have arisen, calling for the abolition of caste and all
associated atrocities. Despite their protests and public agitations, mainstream political parties do not grant Dalit
communities complete political participation. Consequences follow from inadequate representation of SC/ST at upper
echelons of governance. The State should determine which SC/ST households are the most underprivileged, withhold quota
from those who are already receiving benefits from the Reservation Policy, and give it to the most disadvantaged. The State
should choose the SC/ST households with the lowest incomes and grant them the quota. Quotas for SC/ST communities
ought to be made available to the most disadvantaged.
In particular when there is a creamy layer of privilege, reservation should be founded on the economic standing of SC/ST
family units. Reservation Policy is not being used properly. Poor neighborhoods have made socioeconomic success, adding
a layer of privilege on top. To guarantee that only legitimate community members are admitted to educational schools and
government employment, the State should audit all community certificates. To make sure genuine members are not
admitted without justification, the State should examine community certificates. The State should establish a Department
for the Reservation to track down, analyze, and fix issues, and designate special officers and field personnel to assess the
Reservation Policy. To resolve the significant disparities in educational achievement, the State must implement a new
educational strategy for SCs and STs. The distribution of education among SCs is uneven, with some receiving only a
basic education while others have access to a complete formal education thanks to specialized government initiatives. The
distribution of education among SCs varies greatly, as does success. A new educational strategy for SCs and STs needs to
be implemented by the State, along with a program to combat illiteracy and an investigation into the reasons why students
leave school.
CONCLUSION
The purpose of India's reservation policy is to provide the underprivileged with equitable opportunity. The reservation
system should be improved to offer lower caste people a chance to prove themselves. Reservations ought to be adjusted to
meet the requirements of different communities. To address the outdated method, reservations should be fixed.
Reservations ought to be granted only to those who are in genuine need. Reservation would be unjust to other groups who
strive for excellence. Goals should be attained through merit, not through reluctance. Few individuals should be allowed to
make reservations.
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