+OBJECTIVES

1: History of the Reservation System

 Understand the historical context of the reservation system in India,

including its origins during British rule, the contributions of social
reformers, and key legislative developments post-independence.

2(a): Importance of the Reservation System

 Explore the significance of the reservation system in India, its role in

addressing historical injustices, and its contribution to social justice and
equality for underprivileged communities.

2(b): Advantages of Reservation in Indiae

 Identify the benefits of the reservation system, including increased

access to education, employment, political representation, and social
integration for marginalized communities.

2(c): Disadvantages of Reservation in India

 Discuss the drawbacks and criticisms of the reservation system, such as

potential perpetuation of caste-based divisions, inefficiency in
addressing true merit, and reverse discrimination.

3: Analysis

 Provide a detailed analysis of the effectiveness of the reservation system

in achieving its objectives, including evaluating its impact on social
mobility, economic development, and equality.

4: Diagrammatic Presentation

 Present a visual representation of the reservation system in India,

including the various categories (SC, ST, OBC, EWS) and the percentage of
reservation allocated in different sectors like education, employment,
and political representation.

5: Arguments Against Reservation in India

  Discuss the arguments made by critics of the reservation system,
focusing on the claim that reservations may undermine meritocracy,
promote division, and hinder overall societal progress.

6: Reason Behind the Increasing Demand for Reservation

 Investigate the factors contributing to the rising demand for reservations

in India, including the growing recognition of socio-economic
inequalities, political factors, and community-based advocacy.

7: State-wise Percentage of Reservation

 Present a state-by-state breakdown of reservation percentages in India,

considering the variations in reservation policies across different states,
including regional quotas for OBCs, SCs, STs, and EWS.

8: Conclusion

9: Bibliography

1. The History of the Reservation System in India

The reservation system in India has deep socio-political roots, introduced to

counter the systemic oppression of marginalized communities. This affirmative
action aimed to dismantle caste-based inequalities and has evolved
significantly over time, adapting to India's changing societal needs.

Pre-Independence Period

Indian society before independence was characterized by rigid caste

hierarchies, where lower castes faced severe social exclusion, including denial
of education, employment, and social mobility. Reformers like Jyotirao Phule,
Periyar, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar championed the cause of these oppressed
communities. Their efforts led to the early conceptualization of reservations as
a means to achieve social justice.
Key Developments:

1. Early Reform Movements:

o Jyotirao Phule: Known for emphasizing education and equality,

Phule founded schools for Dalits and women, advocating for
systemic reforms to uplift marginalized groups.

o Justice Party (1916): In Tamil Nadu, this movement introduced

reservations in government jobs to ensure representation for non-
Brahmin communities.

2. The Communal Award (1932):

o Introduced by the British, the Communal Award provided separate

electorates for various religious and caste groups, including Dalits.

o It led to the Poona Pact (1932), where Gandhi and Ambedkar

agreed on reserved legislative seats for Dalits instead of separate
electorates.

3. Public Services:
Some princely states, such as Mysore and Kolhapur, implemented
reservations for backward communities in education and employment,
laying the groundwork for broader affirmative action.

Post-Independence Period

After independence, the Indian government prioritized reducing caste-based

inequities through constitutional provisions. The Constitution of India, adopted
in 1950, incorporated various articles to ensure affirmative action for
marginalized communities.

Constitutional Provisions for Reservation:

1. Article 15(4): Allows special provisions for socially and educationally

backward classes.

2. Article 16(4): Provides reservations in public employment for

inadequately represented backward classes.
 3. Article 46 Focuses on promoting weaker sections' educational and
economic interests.

Early Implementation:
Initially, the reservation was confined to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled
Tribes (STs) in education, employment, and political representation to facilitate
their integration into mainstream society\
The Mandal Commission (1979)

The Mandal Commission was a pivotal development in the reservation policy,

established to address the needs of socially and educationally backward classes
(OBCs).

1. Findings: OBCs comprised 52% of India’s population but were

underrepresented in education and public employment.

2. Recommendations:

o A 27% quota for OBCs in government jobs and education.

o The total reservation limit was capped at 50%.

Implementing these recommendations in 1990 expanded the reservation

framework, though it sparked nationwide protests and debates.

Introduction of EWS Quota (2019)

In 2019, the reservation system was expanded to include economically weaker

sections (EWS) of the unreserved category. This was the first instance of
reservation based solely on economic criteria.
  Provision: A 10% quota was introduced for individuals meeting income
thresholds.

 Impact: The EWS quota reflects a shift toward addressing economic

disparities alongside social inequities.

2(a): Importance of Reservation System

The reservation system in India is crucial for addressing historical inequalities

and promoting social justice. It was implemented to counter the centuries-old
discrimination and exclusion faced by historically marginalized communities,
primarily those belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs),
Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and more recently, the Economically Weaker
Sections (EWS). The importance of this system lies in its ability to provide a
level playing field for individuals who have long been deprived of basic rights
such as education, employment, and social integration.

The reservation system ensures that these communities are not excluded from
education and public sector employment opportunities. It helps them gain
political representation and participate in mainstream society. By reserving
seats in educational institutions and government jobs, the system creates
pathways for social mobility and empowerment. Importantly, it recognizes that
merely offering equality in law is insufficient without addressing the historical
and systemic disadvantages these groups have faced.

2(b): Advantages of Reservation in India

1. Social Equality and Justice:

The reservation system is designed to rectify social inequalities rooted in
the caste system. It ensures that underprivileged groups have access to
the same opportunities as their more privileged counterparts. This
promotes inclusivity and aims to break down the barriers of caste-based
discrimination.

2. Access to Education:
Reservation policies in educational institutions ensure that children from
 marginalized communities can access quality education, which would
otherwise be out of reach due to financial constraints, social
discrimination, and lack of resources. This fosters upward mobility and
provides a foundation for future generations to succeed.

3. Employment Opportunities:
By reserving government jobs for backward classes, the system helps to
ensure that these communities are not excluded from public sector
employment, which is often seen as a reliable source of stability and
income. This improves the economic standing of marginalized families
and boosts their participation in governance.

4. Political Representation:
Reservation ensures that marginalized communities have a voice in the
political process. Reserved seats in legislatures allow leaders from these
communities to represent their interests and advocate for policies that
address their specific needs, leading to a more representative
democracy.

5. Promotes Social Integration:

The reservation system enables marginalized groups to join mainstream
institutions and organizations, thus promoting social integration. This
interaction helps reduce stereotypes and prejudice, fostering better
social cohesion.

2(c): Disadvantages of Reservation in India

1. Perpetuates Caste Divisions:

One of the key criticisms of the reservation system is that it
perpetuates caste-based distinctions. While the intention is to
uplift marginalized groups, some argue that it continues to
reinforce the caste system, rather than working towards its
elimination.

2. Undermines Meritocracy:
Critics claim that reservations in education and employment
may lead to the selection of candidates based on caste rather
 than merit. This can result in a situation where less qualified
individuals are chosen, which may reduce efficiency and
undermine the quality of service in sectors like education,
healthcare, and government.

3. Creates Dependency:
The reservation system has sometimes been accused of
fostering a culture of dependency, where individuals or
communities become reliant on quotas rather than striving for
personal growth through merit-based systems. This can
discourage hard work and perseverance.

4. Increased Social Tensions:

The system has often sparked debates and protests,
particularly from upper-caste communities who feel
disadvantaged by the quota system. These tensions can result
in social unrest, with individuals from different groups
accusing each other of unfair treatment, leading to division
within society.

5. Limited Scope of Benefits:

While the reservation system was designed to help the
underprivileged, it has been criticized for not reaching all
deserving individuals within the marginalized communities.
Often, the benefits of reservation are concentrated in urban
areas or in high-profile sectors, leaving rural areas and smaller
communities still facing barriers to progress.

6. Analysis of India's Reservation System

India's reservation system was introduced to address centuries
of systemic discrimination and marginalization faced by
certain communities. It aims to promote social justice and
equality by providing reserved quotas in education,
employment, and political representation for groups such as
 Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other
Backward Classes (OBCs), and, more recently, Economically
Weaker Sections (EWS). While the system has had notable
successes, it remains a subject of ongoing debate regarding its
effectiveness and fairness in achieving its goals.
Social Mobility
One of the most significant impacts of the reservation system
is its role in improving social mobility among disadvantaged
groups. By granting access to educational institutions,
government jobs, and political representation, the system has
enabled individuals from marginalized backgrounds to escape
the cycle of poverty and social exclusion. For instance, many
Dalit and OBC students have gained admission to prestigious
institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). This access has
translated into better employment opportunities and higher
incomes, facilitating upward social mobility.
Moreover, the system has created role models within these
communities, inspiring others to pursue education and
professional success. By breaking historical barriers, it has
challenged societal prejudices and fostered a more inclusive
environment. However, critics argue that the social mobility
achieved is not uniformly distributed. Urban beneficiaries and
those already in relatively better socioeconomic positions
within these groups tend to benefit the most, while the
poorest and most rural members often remain excluded due to
limited access to primary education and resources.
Economic Development
The reservation system has significantly contributed to economic development
by increasing the representation of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes
(STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and public-sector
enterprises. This inclusion has paved the way for financial independence and
improved living standards for many families, enabling them to invest in
education, healthcare, and other areas crucial for long-term growth. However,
its economic benefits are not evenly distributed. The "creamy layer"
phenomenon, where the relatively affluent within reserved categories often
monopolize benefits, has raised concerns about equitable access. Critics
advocate for income-based reservations to ensure that the most disadvantaged
reap the rewards. Moreover, the absence of reservations in the private sector,
now a major source of employment, limits the system's overall economic
impact.

Equality
Reservations have been pivotal in addressing historical injustices and fostering
social justice by ensuring representation for marginalized groups in education,
employment, and governance. This has challenged the dominance of privileged
communities and reduced the stigma associated with caste and tribal
identities. Despite these gains, significant gaps remain. Rural areas still
experience entrenched caste hierarchies, restricting access to essential services
like education and healthcare. The exclusion of private-sector jobs and
institutions from the reservation system further limits its scope in promoting
equality. Additionally, some argue that the system reinforces caste identities
instead of diminishing them, prompting calls for reforms, including sectoral
expansion or alternative strategies to advance equality.

Challenges and the Way Forward

The reservation system faces multiple challenges that demand urgent
attention. A major issue is the absence of comprehensive data on the
socioeconomic status of various communities, hindering effective evaluation
and targeted reforms. Regular studies and surveys are vital to ensure benefits
reach the truly disadvantaged. Furthermore, the perception of unfairness
among economically disadvantaged groups outside the reserved categories
fuels resentment. This has led to calls for broader reforms, such as income-
based reservations or welfare measures for economically weak individuals
across all communities. Addressing these challenges through data-driven
reforms and inclusive policies is crucial for enhancing the system's
effectiveness.

3. 1. Categories of Reservation:

 Scheduled Castes (SCs): 15% reservation

 Scheduled Tribes (STs): 7.5% reservation

 Other Backward Classes (OBCs): 27% reservation

 Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10% reservation



Categor ies of R es er vati on

Scheduled Castes (SCs) Scheduled Tribes (STs)
Other Backward Classes (OBCs) Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

Economically Weaker Sections

(EWS)
Scheduled Castes (SCs)

Scheduled Tribes (STs)

Other Backward Classes
(OBCs)

SC/ST Reservation

The reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) is
designed to provide jobs that

+
 empower these communities and ensure their participation in the state’s
decision-making processes. It also aims to eliminate practices like
untouchability and reduce social discrimination.

 Quota Allocation:
SCs are provided a 15% reservation in jobs and higher educational
institutions, while STs receive a 7.5% reservation.

 Promotion Benefits:
In addition to direct recruitment, SC/ST candidates are also eligible for
reservations in promotions under Article 16(4A) of the Constitution.

 No Creamy Layer:
Unlike other reservation categories, there is no "creamy layer" concept
for SC/ST reservations. This means that all individuals belonging to these
communities, irrespective of their family income or social status, are
eligible for the benefits.

OBC Reservation

The reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) was introduced

based on the recommendations of the Mandal Commission in 1991. It
aims to uplift socially and educationally disadvantaged groups.

 Quota Allocation:
OBCs are provided a 27% reservation in government jobs and higher
educational institutions.

 Creamy Layer Concept:

The OBC reservation includes the "creamy layer" concept to ensure that
only the economically and socially disadvantaged members of the
community benefit from reservations.
 o The creamy layer excludes individuals whose family income
exceeds a specified threshold or whose parents hold higher
government posts.

o This mechanism prevents wealthier members of OBCs from

monopolizing the benefits and ensures the inclusion of genuinely
disadvantaged individuals.

EWS Reservation

The EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) reservation was introduced by

the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 2019 to provide
opportunities for economically weaker individuals from the general
category.

 Quota Allocation:
A 10% reservation is provided for EWS candidates in government jobs
and higher educational institutions.

 Eligibility:
This reservation is for individuals who do not belong to SC, ST, or OBC
categories and whose family income is below a specified threshold.

Legislative Reservation

Part XVI of the Indian Constitution deals with the reservation of seats for
SCs and STs in the central and state legislatures. This provision ensures
their political representation and active participation in law-making
processes.

2. Allocation in Different Sectors:

Education:

 SC, ST, OBC: Reserved seats in government-run educational institutions,

including schools, colleges, and universities.

o SC: 15%
 o ST: 7.5%

o OBC: 27% (based on the Mandal Commission report)

o EWS: 10% (introduced in 2019)

Employment (Government Jobs):

 SC, ST, OBC: Reserved positions in central and state government jobs.

o SC: 15%

o ST: 7.5%

o OBC: 27%

o EWS: 10% (in government jobs)

Political Representation:

 SC, ST: Reserved seats in Lok Sabha (Lower House), Rajya Sabha (Upper
House), and state legislative assemblies.

o SC: 15%

o ST: 7.5%

 OBC, EWS: Although not directly provided with reserved seats in the
legislature, certain states may reserve seats in local body elections (e.g.,
panchayats, municipalities).
 Politi cal R epr es entati on
SC ST OBC, EWS

SC
OBC, EWS

ST

1.6 ARTICLES RELATED TO RESERVATION IN INDIA:

● Article 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution enabled the State and Central
Governments to reserve seats in government services for the members of the
SC and ST.

● The Constitution was amended by the Constitution (77th Amendment) Act,

1995 and a new clause (4A) was inserted in Article 16 to enable the
government to provide reservation in promotion.

● Later, clause (4A) was modified by the Constitution (85th Amendment) Act,
2001 to provide consequential seniority to SC and ST candidates promoted by
giving reservation.

● Constitutional 81st Amendment Act, 2000 inserted Article 16 (4 B) which

enables the state to fill the unfilled vacancies of a year which are reserved for
SCs/STs in the succeeding year, thereby nullifying the ceiling of fifty percent
reservation on a total number of vacancies of that year.

● Articles 330 and 332 provide for specific representation by reserving seats
for SCs and STs in the Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies,
respectively.
● Article 243D provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every Panchayat.
● Article 233T provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every
Municipality.

● Article 335 of the constitution says that the claims of STs and STs shall be
taken into consideration consistently with the maintenance of efficacy of the
administration

4. Critics of the reservation system in India argue that while the intention
behind the policy is to promote equality, it may lead to several negative
consequences that hinder societal progress.

Undermining Meritocracy:

One of the primary criticisms of the reservation system is that it undermines

meritocracy—the idea that individuals should be selected based on their
abilities and qualifications. Critics argue that reservations in education and
employment often prioritize caste over merit, leading to the selection of
candidates who may not be as qualified as others. This, they believe, can result
in inefficiency and a decline in the overall quality of service in sectors like
education, healthcare, and public administration. The system may allow
individuals who are less capable to secure positions or admissions, ultimately
affecting the functioning of institutions and public services.

Promotion of Division:

While designed to reduce inequalities, the reservation system has been

accused of perpetuating caste-based divisions. Instead of fostering unity, critics
argue that it keeps the focus on caste identities, dividing society further along
these lines. This can result in resentment among non-reserved categories,
particularly upper castes, who feel that they are being unfairly treated. The
system, they argue, promotes a sense of entitlement based on caste rather
than ability or effort, which can lead to social tensions and conflict.

Hindering Societal Progress:

Some critics also argue that the reservation system hinders overall societal
progress by creating a sense of dependence rather than encouraging self-
reliance and competition. By providing quotas for underprivileged groups, the
system may reduce the incentive for hard work and academic excellence,
fostering a culture of dependency. Furthermore, the focus on caste-based
reservations might overshadow more inclusive approaches to poverty
alleviation and social upliftment, such as improving access to quality education
and healthcare for all, irrespective of caste.

6. A combination of socio-economic inequalities, political factors, and

community-based advocacy drives India's increasing demand for reservations.
Over the years, the reservation system has expanded beyond Scheduled Castes
(SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to include the
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and there has been growing support for
extending it further to other communities. Here are the key factors
contributing to the rising demand:

1. Socio-Economic Inequalities:

One of the primary drivers behind the demand for reservations is the
persistent socio-economic disparity between different groups in Indian society.
Despite decades of affirmative action, large sections of the population,
particularly in rural and backward areas, continue to face significant barriers to
education, employment, and socio-economic mobility. The widening wealth
gap between the rich and the poor, as well as between rural and urban areas,
has led to increased calls for reservations as a means to ensure that
marginalized groups are not left behind in India’s economic growth. The
recognition that socio-economic status often correlates with caste has spurred
demands for reservations to level the playing field for disadvantaged
communities.

2. Political Factors:

Reservations have become a highly politicized issue in India, with political

parties using the demand for quotas as a tool to mobilize support among
specific communities. Political parties, especially in states with a significant
proportion of backward classes, often promise to increase or extend
reservation quotas to secure votes from these groups. The introduction of the
EWS reservation in 2019 is a prime example of how political considerations can
lead to policy changes. As political competition intensifies, parties are
increasingly looking to appeal to economically weaker and marginalized
sections, driving further demand for reservations.

3. Community-Based Advocacy:

The role of community-based organizations and social movements has been

instrumental in raising awareness about the need for reservations. Various
caste-based organizations, particularly from the OBC, SC, and ST communities,
have played an active role in advocating for their rights to educational and job
opportunities. These groups have pushed for reservations not only to maintain
political and economic representation but also to preserve cultural identity and
social justice. Community leaders and activists have framed the reservation
system as a tool for restoring dignity and equality to historically oppressed
groups. This advocacy has led to a rise in demands for Increased quotas or new
categories of reservation.

4. Growing Awareness of Rights:

The spread of education and the increasing awareness about constitutional

rights have empowered more individuals and communities to demand
reservations. As more people from marginalized groups gain access to
information and develop a better understanding of their rights, they have
become more vocal in seeking reservation benefits. Increased awareness of
affirmative action has led to growing pressure on the government to expand
and extend the reservation system to meet the changing needs of society.

7. In India, the reservation system varies from state to state, with each state
having its own policies and percentages for reservations based on the socio-
economic and demographic context of the region. Below is a general overview
of the state-wise breakdown of reservation percentages across various
categories such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other
Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

1. Andhra Pradesh

 SCs: 15%
  STs: 6%

 OBCs: 29%

 EWS: 10% (for general category)

Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS

2. Bihar

 SCs: 16%

 STs: 1%

 OBCs: 27%

 EWS: 10%
 Bihar
Bihar
30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS

3. Tamil Nadu

 SCs: 18%

 STs: 1%

 OBCs: 30% (split into two categories: Most Backward Classes and
Denotified Communities)

 EWS: 10% (introduced in 2020)

Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS
4. Uttar Pradesh

 SCs: 21%

 STs: 2%

 OBCs: 27%

 EWS: 10%

Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS

5. Madhya Pradesh

 SCs: 16%

 STs: 20%

 OBCs: 14%

 EWS: 10%
 Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS

6. Rajasthan

 SCs: 16%

 STs: 12%

 OBCs: 21%

 EWS: 10%

Rajasthan
Rajasthan
25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS

7. Maharashtra
  SCs: 13%

 STs: 7%

 OBCs: 19%

 EWS: 10%

Maharashtra
Maharashtra
20%
18%
16%
14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS

8. Karnataka

 SCs: 15%

 STs: 7%

 OBCs: 27%

 EWS: 10%
 Karnataka
Karnataka
30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS

9. Gujarat

 SCs: 7%

 STs: 15%

 OBCs: 27%

 EWS: 10%

Gujarat
Gujarat
30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS
10. West Bengal

 SCs: 23%

 STs: 6%

 OBCs: 17%

 EWS: 10%

West Bengal
West Bengal
25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS

11. Kerala

 SCs: 8%

 STs: 2%

 OBCs: 26%

 EWS: 10%
 Kerala
Kerala
30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS

12. Haryana

 SCs: 20%

 STs: 1%

 OBCs: 19%

 EWS: 10%

Haryana
Haryana
25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS

13. Punjab
  SCs: 31%

 STs: 0.5%

 OBCs: 19%

 EWS: 10%

Punjab
Punjab
35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS

14. Odisha

 SCs: 16.25%

 STs: 22.5%

 OBCs: 11.25%

 EWS: 10%
 Odisha
Odisha
25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS

15. Telangana

 SCs: 15%

 STs: 6%

 OBCs: 25%

 EWS: 10%

Telangana
Telangana
30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
SCs STs OBCs EWS
Key Points to Note:

 OBC Reservation: Some states, like Tamil Nadu, have introduced sub-
categories within OBCs, such as Most Backward Classes (MBCs), to
provide more targeted support.

 EWS Reservation: Many states, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh,

and Rajasthan, have adopted the 10% reservation for Economically
Weaker Sections, which was introduced at the national level in 2019.

 Regional Variations: The percentage of reservation for SCs, STs, and

OBCs may vary depending on the demographic composition of the state,
with tribal areas often having a higher percentage of reservation for STs.

8. The reservation system in India, introduced to address the historical and

systemic inequalities faced by marginalized communities, has played a
significant role in promoting social justice and equality. While the system has
provided essential opportunities in education, employment, and political
representation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other
Backward Classes (OBCs), and more recently, the Economically Weaker Sections
(EWS), its impact remains a subject of debate.

On one hand, the reservation system has facilitated social mobility, improved
access to education, and enhanced economic opportunities for historically
disadvantaged groups, leading to a more inclusive society. On the other hand,
critics argue that it perpetuates caste-based divisions, undermines meritocracy,
and may lead to a sense of dependency. The increasing demand for
reservations, driven by socio-economic inequalities and political factors,
highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving a truly equal society.

While the reservation system has been instrumental in addressing disparities, it

is clear that reforms are needed to ensure that benefits reach the most
deserving individuals and that it does not hinder merit or societal progress.
Moving forward, a more nuanced approach that balances affirmative action
with merit-based assessments could help reduce criticisms while continuing to
foster social justice.
Em ploym ent (Gover nm ent
Jobs )
SC ST OBC EWS

EWS
SC

OBC

ST

Educati on

EWS
SC

ST

OBC