Complexities of India’s Reservation System
India's reservation system aims to uplift historically marginalised communities, especially Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
The system, which provides quotas in education, employment, and public offices, seeks to address centuries of social and economic exclusion.
Over 75 years since independence, the effectiveness of the reservation system is being questioned, especially regarding unequal benefits within SC groups.
What Data from Different States Tell Us
Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu: Most SC groups have benefited equally from reservations, with slight differences but no significant disparities.
Punjab: The SC quota has been subdivided since 1975, leading to better outcomes for historically disadvantaged groups, like the Mazhabi Sikhs and Balmikis.
Bihar: The “Mahadalit” category for marginalised SCs, created in 2007, faced challenges due to political pressures, diluting its original purpose.
Despite some intra-SC disparities, the gap between SCs and upper-caste groups remains much larger.
Are Reservations Accessible?
Data from the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) shows that many SC households do not have caste certificates, a requirement for reservation in education and employment
In states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, less than 50% of SC households have caste certificates, excluding many from benefits.
In contrast, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have better access (60-70%), but this is not the norm across the country.
The main issue is improving access to reservations before considering other reforms like quota-within-quota.
Is Quota-Within-Quota the Solution?
Quota-within-quota (subdividing the SC quota) can be beneficial in states like Punjab, where specific SC subgroups (like Mazhabi Sikhs and Balmikis) are more disadvantaged.
However, in states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, further subdivision may not be necessary, as benefits are already fairly distributed.
Political motivations, such as those seen in Bihar, can undermine the effectiveness of quota-within-quota, turning it into a tool for political gain rather than addressing inequality.
The idea of introducing a “creamy layer” exclusion for SCs, like for OBCs, needs stronger evidence to avoid alienating the genuinely disadvantaged.
Improved data on caste disparities is crucial to effectively address the need for reforms
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