essay on indian reservation system

Essay on Reservation in India

500 words essay on reservation in india.

Reservation is a controversial and highly debatable topic in India. Furthermore, the main aim behind the reservation was the empowerment of the weaker sections of society. So, let’s learn all about it with this essay on reservation in India.

Essay On Reservation In India

Background of the Reservation Policy

Reservation in India refers to the practice of reserving a certain percentage of seats in government institutions for people belonging to backward and under-represented communities. Furthermore, reservation in its essence is a type of quota-based affirmative action.

The primary beneficiaries of the reservation policies under the Constitution are the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Furthermore, this concept was made part of the Constitution in order to let the deprived classes come at par with the privileged classes.

Initially, the idea was to make a reservation policy only for ten years after the independence to facilitate the development of the underprivileged sections. However, the situation now is such that even after more than seventy years of independence, reservation policy is still in place.

Problems Associated with Reservation Policy

One can attribute the origin of the reservation system to the age-old caste system of India. According to the caste system, the division of the people was to take place on the basis of occupation. As such, various sects came up like teaching and preaching (Brahmins), kingship and war (Kshatriya), and business (Vaish).

Soon, however, the system became an instrument of dividing the society on the basis of caste. Furthermore, this led to the creation of various walls between the different sections of society. After independence, the main objective of the reservation policy was to uplift the untouchables who had to suffer maximum marginalization.

Today, the division of the Indian society has taken place into Hindu, Muslim, SC, ST, OBC etc. Furthermore, demands for newer reservation are also coming from Christians, Jats, Pandits, Tribals etc.

Unfortunately, there has been the failure of the policy to achieve its aim to uplift the marginalised classes. Rather, the reservation policy has become a political tool in the hands of politicians. Furthermore, the rift in the caste system is becoming deeper.

The 93 rd Amendment stirred the anger of the youth, in general, all over the country. Furthermore, protests took place from various sections of society. Moreover, the reason for the anger of the youth was that the development of one section of the society cannot take place at the cost of the other sections.

Conclusion of Essay on Reservation in India

Reservation in India has been playing a major role in the politics of India. Furthermore, it has now become an integral part of Indian society, in spite of the criticism it had to face. Overall, it can be said that while the intention behind reservation cannot be blamed, it is the faulty implementation that has been the main problem.

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FAQs For Essay on Reservation in India

Question 1: What is the need for reservation in India?

Answer 1: Reservation primarily relates to three groups: Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes whose abbreviation takes place as SC, ST, and OBC respectively. Furthermore, these less privileged groups have suffered oppression or unfairness in India. Consequently, the aim of reservations is to prevent caste supremacists from denying these groups their rights.

Question 2: Is the reservation of elected seats permanent in India?

Answer 2: The original requirement of Article 334 of the Constitution was to cease the reservation of elected seats in 1960. However, its extension took place to 1970 by the 8th Amendment and then to 2020 by the 95th Amendment. Due to the 104th Amendment, a further extension has taken place in the period of the reservation to 2030.

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Indian Reservation System, Critical Analysis, Pros and Cons

India's reservation system, rooted in the country's age-old caste system, aims to provide equitable access to government jobs, educational institutions, and legislatures.

Table of Contents

Indian Reservation System

India’s reservation system, rooted in the country’s age-old caste system, aims to provide equitable access to government jobs, educational institutions, and legislatures for historically disadvantaged sections of the population. Originating as a means of addressing historical injustices based on caste identity, the reservation system operates as a quota-based affirmative action, often referred to as positive discrimination. Governed by government policies backed by the Indian Constitution, it has undergone significant evolution over the years.

Historical Background and Evolution

The idea of caste-based reservations was initially conceived by William Hunter and Jyotirao Phule in 1882. However, it was formalized in 1933 with the introduction of the “Communal Award” by British Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald, which provided separate electorates for various religious and caste groups, including Dalits. Post-independence, the reservation system initially focused on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) but expanded to include Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in 1991 based on the recommendations of the Mandal Commission.

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Mandal Commission and Constitutional Amendments

Mandal commission.

In December 1978, the President of India appointed the Mandal Commission under the chairmanship of B. P. Mandal.
The commission was tasked with identifying socially and educationally backward classes and recommending measures for their advancement.
The Mandal Commission found that approximately 52% of India’s population belonged to Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Based on its findings, the commission recommended that 27% of government jobs be reserved for OBCs.
The Mandal Commission’s recommendations sparked widespread debate and protests across the country.

Constitutional Amendments

The 77th Amendment Act of 1995 introduced a new clause, Article 16(4A), enabling the state to provide reservation in promotions for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in public services if they are not adequately represented.
The 81st Amendment Act of 2000 inserted Article 16(4B), allowing states to carry forward unfilled vacancies reserved for SCs/STs to the succeeding year, thereby bypassing the 50% reservation cap.
The 85th Amendment Act of 2001 modified Article 16(4A) to provide consequential seniority to SCs and STs candidates promoted by reservation.
These amendments expanded the scope of reservation policies and addressed issues related to promotions, seniority, and unfilled vacancies for SCs and STs.

Judicial Scrutiny and Supreme Court Verdicts

Several landmark Supreme Court cases, including the State of Madras v. Smt. Champakam Dorairajan and Indra Sawhney v. Union of India, have shaped the scope and extent of reservation policies. The Supreme Court upheld the 27% quota for OBCs while introducing the concept of the “creamy layer” and imposing a 50% cap on total reservation. Subsequent judgments clarified the exclusion of the creamy layer from reservation benefits and emphasized the need for data on backwardness.

Critical Analysis of India’s Reservation System

The reservation system in India has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny, eliciting both support and criticism from various segments of society. A critical analysis of India’s reservation system reveals several key points:

Addressing Historical Injustice: One of the primary arguments in favor of the reservation system is its role in addressing historical injustices faced by marginalized communities, particularly Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). By providing reserved seats in education, employment, and politics, the system aims to uplift these communities and provide them with opportunities they were historically denied.
Promotion of Social Inclusion: Proponents argue that reservation fosters social inclusion by ensuring representation of diverse communities in various sectors. It helps in breaking down barriers and promoting diversity in educational institutions, government offices, and legislative bodies, thereby creating a more inclusive society.
Meritocracy vs. Quotas: Critics often argue that reservation compromises the principle of meritocracy by prioritizing caste-based quotas over merit-based selection. They contend that deserving candidates may be overlooked in favor of less qualified individuals solely based on their caste status, leading to inefficiencies and compromising the quality of institutions and governance.
Caste Reinforcement: Another criticism leveled against the reservation system is its potential to reinforce caste divisions in society. By institutionalizing caste identities and allocating benefits based on caste, the system may inadvertently perpetuate social stratification and hinder efforts towards building a more egalitarian society.
Creamy Layer and Efficiency: The concept of the “creamy layer,” introduced to exclude affluent members within reserved categories from availing reservation benefits, aims to ensure that the most disadvantaged individuals receive support. However, concerns remain about the efficiency of the system, particularly regarding its impact on overall governance and administrative effectiveness.
50% Reservation Cap: The Supreme Court’s directive to cap reservation quotas at 50% of available seats has sparked discussions about the feasibility and practicality of such limitations. Critics argue that this cap restricts the scope of reservation policies and may not adequately address the needs of marginalized communities, while proponents advocate for its maintenance to prevent over-representation and promote fairness.
Calls for Reform: Over the years, there have been calls for reforming the reservation system to make it more equitable and effective. Suggestions include revisiting the criteria for determining backwardness, ensuring transparency in reservation policies, promoting economic criteria alongside social indicators, and investing in education and skill development initiatives to uplift marginalized communities.

Pros and Cons of Indian Reservation System

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Indian Reservation System FAQs

What is the reservation percentage for sc st and obc.

STs and OBCs in case of direct recruitment on all India basis by open competition is given at the rate of 15%, 7.5% and 27% respectively.

Who started SC ST reservation in India?

Post-independence the system of reservation was framed by the Constituent Assembly which was chaired by Dr. BR Ambedkar.

Is reservation system in India good or bad?

It's the duty of the government to provide equality of status and opportunity in India. Reservation is one of the tools against social oppression and injustice against certain classes. Otherwise known as affirmative action, reservation helps in uplifting backward classes.

Who was the father of reservation?

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Essay on Reservation in India For Students & Children

We are Sharing Essay on Reservation in India in English for students and children. In this article, we have tried our best to provide an essay on Reservation System in India for Classes 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 and Graduation in 200, 300, 400, 500, 800 words.

Short Essay on Reservation in English

The reservation occupies an important place in the Indian Constitution. Through reservation, Constitution safeguards the social, economic, and educational interests of minority groups. These include the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, backward classes, and Anglo-Indians. The total reservation for the minorities amounts to a little less than 50 percent. The Reservation Policy of the Indian Constitution is based on the Poona Pact signed in 1932 between Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar. There is a reservation for the minorities in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Reservation widens the traditional gap. It leads to malpractices and creates resentment among students and job seekers. Reservation should be based on economic conditions, not caste.

Essay on Reservation System in India

In the Indian Constitution, the reservation occupies an important place. The framers of the Indian Constitution took care to safeguard the interests of the minorities. The objective is to protect them against any discrimination and to help them get integrated into the mainstream of national life. The Constitution safeguards the social, economic, and educational interests of minority groups. Thirty-three of 395 Articles in the Constitution deals with the provision of reservation for the minorities.

The minority groups include the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, Anglo-Indians, and backward classes. The scheduled castes and scheduled tribes get the maximum benefits. The total reservation for the minorities amounts to a little less than 50 percent, of which 27 percent is reserved for backward classes.

The current reservation for SC/ST is based on a pact called the Poona Pact signed between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar in 1932. The Mandal Commission identified 3743 castes as backward castes.

The general principle adopted as regards government service is merit, but some relaxation’ is allowed for the minorities. Under Article 330, seats are to be reserved for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in the Lok Sabha. Reservation has to be made in each state and union territory on a population basis. Similarly, Article 332 lays down the same provisions for State Legislative Assemblies.

Our government claims to establish a casteless society. But the government itself recognises discrimination in society. Reservations are based on castes. India is a developing economy. Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and backwardness are the burning problems that India is facing. These are prevalent not only in the minority groups but also in the general groups.

Thus. the caste system and the provisions laid by the Constitution on reservation widens the traditional gap. This system is a threat to the unity and integrity of our country.

Reservation has given rise to malpractice. People belonging to the upper classes produce false certificates of SC/ST to secure admission to professional courses. The reservation policy has not fully benefitted even the people belonging to SCs and STs. Harijans are as poverty-stricken and backward as they were at the time when India got freedom. Reservation has proved to be a blessing to a few.

Reservation has led to a lot of dissatisfaction and resentment among students who cannot get admission to the courses they seek to pursue. Job seekers face a similar problem. The Supreme Court also recommended delinking of reservations from castes. Reservations may seem unfair as they may deprive’ the meritorious and deserving candidates.

The government maintains that the scheme must continue so that the minorities do not feel neglected. Reservation can make them equal partners in deciding the destiny of the nation.

Reservation should not be based on caste. It should be based on the economic condition of an individual. Prime importance should be given to merit. The reservation policy should be revised. It should be planned in such a way that it does not disturb the integrity of the country.

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Reservation in India – Explained in Layman’s Terms

Last updated on March 6, 2024 by Alex Andrews George

In simple terms, reservation in India is all about reserving access to seats in government jobs, educational institutions, and even legislatures to certain sections of the population.

Also known as affirmative action, the reservation can also be seen as positive discrimination. Reservation in India is a government policy, backed by the Indian Constitution (by means of various amendments).

Table of Contents

The purpose of reservation in India

The two main aims to provide reservation as per the Consitution of India are:

Advancement of Scheduled Castes (SC) and the Scheduled Tribes (ST) OR any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens (e.g.: OBC) OR economically weaker sections (EWS) – Article 15 (4), Article 15 (5), and Article 15 (6),
Adequate representation of any backward class of citizens OR economically weaker sections (EWS) in the services under the State. – Article 16 (4) and Article 16 (6)

The extent of Reservation in India

In India, reservation is provided in:

Government Educational Institutions (like IITs, IIMs, etc.) – as per Article 15 – (4), (5), and (6)
Government Jobs (like IAS , IPS , etc.) – as per Article 16 – (4) and (6)
Legislatures ( Parliament , and State Legislature ) – as per Article 334

Before 2019, the reservation was provided mainly on the basis of social and educational backwardness (caste). However, after the 103rd constitutional amendment in 2019, economic backwardness is also considered.

Apart from the reservation quota, additional relaxations like upper-age relaxations, additional attempts, and lower cut-off marks are also provided for various reservation categories.

Reservation quota in India for Government Jobs

Reservation Category vs Reservation Quota

A vacancy reserved for SCs STs or OBCs cannot be filled by a candidate other than an SC ST or OBC candidate, as the case may be.

As seen from the above table, about 60% of seats are reserved in India – for various sections like ST, SC, OBC, and EWS – with respect to Government jobs and Higher Education Institutions. 3% of seats are also reserved for differently-abled persons across all categories.

This also means that only 40% of seats are available under merit. In the merit seats, not only the general category candidates but all other categories like SC, ST, OBC, and EWS can also compete.

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SC/ST Reservation

The objective of providing reservations to the Scheduled Castes(SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in services is not only to give jobs to some persons belonging to these communities. It basically aims at empowering them and ensuring their participation in the decision-making process of the State.

Besides, the state is also keen to end practices such as untouchability.

Scheduled Castes (SC) are given a 15% quota in jobs/higher educational institutions while Schedule Tribes (ST) are given a 7.5% quota in jobs/higher educational institutions.

Reservation is provided not only with respect to direct recruitment but also with respect to promotions for the SC/ST category (Article 16(4A)).

There is no concept of a ‘creamy layer’ with respect to SC/ST reservation. This means that irrespective of the income status or the government posts held by the parents, children of SC/ST parents will get SC/ST Reservations.

OBC Reservation

Reservation for Other Backwards Classes (OBC) was introduced based on the Mandal Commission Report (1991). The quota for OBCs is 27% in government jobs and higher educational institutions.

However, there is a concept of a ‘creamy layer’ with respect to the OBC reservation. Only those from OBC who come under the Non-Creamy Layer would get an OBC reservation.

The creamy layer concept brings income and social status as parameters to exclude some of the privileged members of OBC from the extent of reservation. This concept also keeps a check to ensure that the benefits of reservation do not get extended to subsequent generations.

Read more about the OBC Reservation Eligibility .

EWS Reservation

The Central Government of India recently introduced EWS Reservation. A 10% quota is provided for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) among General Category candidates in government jobs and educational institutions. This is done by adding clauses for the same in the Indian Constitution (103rd Constitution Amendment Act, 2019).

Read more about the EWS Reservation Eligibility

History of Reservation System in India – Rectifying the Historical Injustice

To an extent, reservation as a policy is pursued by the State to correct the historical injustice done to certain castes by the so-called “upper castes”. The caste system that prevailed in India had alienated many “lower castes” from the mainstream – hindering their development. To a great extent, the repercussions are still felt.

The original Consitution of India provided reservation only for quota in legislatures – that too only for 10 years until 1960 (article 334). Subsequent amendments to the constitution extended the period of reservation for quota in legislatures.

Provisions of reservations in Educational Institutions and Government Jobs – article 15(4) and Article 16 (4) – were also created by means of Constitutional Amendments later. No time period is given for the validity of the reservations mentioned in Article 15(4) and Article 16(4).

The initial reservations were only for SC and ST [Article 15(4) and Article 16(4)]. OBCs were included in the ambit of reservation in 1991 [Article 15(5)]. In 2019, Economically Weaker Sections are also included [Article 15(6) and Article 16(6)].

Should India need reservations (now)?

It’s the duty of the government to provide equality of status and opportunity in India .

Reservation is one of the tools against social oppression and injustice against certain classes. Otherwise known as affirmative action, reservation helps in uplifting backward classes.

However, reservation is just one of the methods for social upliftment. There are many other methods like providing scholarships, funds, coaching, and other welfare schemes.

The way the reservation is implemented and executed in India is largely governed by vote-bank politics.

Indian Consitution allowed reservation only for socially and educationally backward classes . However, in India, it became a caste-based reservation instead of a class-based reservation .

Initially, the reservation was intended only for SC/ST communities – that too for a period of 10 years (1951-1961). However, it has extended ever since. After the implementation of the Mandal Commission report in 1990, the scope of the reservation was widened to include Other Backward Communities (OBCs).

The benefits of the reservation were successively enjoyed only by a few communities (or families), excluding the truly deserving ones. Even 70 years after independence, the demand for reservations has only increased.

Now, with the introduction of economic criteria for reservation, in addition to the caste criteria that already existed, things have become more complicated.

Unequals should not be treated equally, but is reservation the only solution?

There is no doubt that unequal people should not be treated equally. However, is the current system of unequal treatment perfect? Is it creating more injustice? Is it the only way out in a welfare nation? It’s time to introspect.

Reservation based entirely on economic criteria is not an all-in-one solution, though family income can be one of the parameters. Also, it’s time to fix a time period for the reservation system – rather than extending it to eternity.

Denying India, the service of the meritorious candidates , who see them being overtaken by others with lesser academic performance or brilliance, is also a crime and injustice.

Aren’t there any alternative mechanisms to uplift the marginalized so that everyone gets equal opportunities? How is affirmative action done in other countries?

Reforms in the reservation system of India are the need of the hour. However, as the subject of reservation revolves around a lot of votes, parties are reluctant to disrupt the existing system.

50% Cap on Caste-Based Reservations

In Indra Sawhney vs Union Of India, 1992, the Supreme Court of India capped caste-based reservation, ruling that “no provision of reservation or preference can be so vigorously pursued as to destroy the very concept of equality”.

“Since this Court has consistently held that the reservation under Articles 15(4) and 16(4) should not exceed 50% and the States and the Union have by and large accepted this as correct it should be held as constitutional prohibition and any reservation beyond 50% would liable to be struck down.”

While introducing the bill for Economic Reservation in 2019, Arun Jaitley (Finance Minister) contended that the 50% cap on reservations imposed by the Supreme Court was only for caste-based reservations , and the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation won’t be impacted by it.

Poverty cannot be the basis for providing reservations: SC

As per Article 16(4), one of the main purposes of the reservation is to provide adequate representation of all classes (castes) in government services. Economic Reservation introduced by Article 16(6) is actually against this concept – as it does not take into consideration the caste-based representation.

Moreover, the reservation is not a poverty alleviation scheme .

Supreme Court had also ruled that economic status cannot be the sole criterion for reservation.

Many states had tried to implement Economic Reservation, however, they were subsequently quashed by Courts.

Introducing the EWS bill in 2019, Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot said the similar state laws for the EWS quota were quashed by Courts because there was no provision for economic reservation in the Constitution before. Now, the Law will not be struck down by the Supreme Court if challenged as it has been brought by making required provisions in the Constitution.

Will the Reservation System in India compromise the Merit (and efficiency of the system)?

Article 335 of the Indian Constitution states that

The claims of the member of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently, with the maintenance of efficiency of administration in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State. Provided that nothing in this article shall prevent in the making of any provision in favour of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes for relaxation in qualifying marks in any examination or lowering the standards of evaluation , for reservation in matters of promotion to any class or classes of services or posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State.

There is no second question that all castes/classes should be adequately represented in government services. However, which percentage can be called adequate – without compromising the merit or efficiency of the administration?

Is the current level of reservation adequate? Or is it less? Or has it already compromised the merit? What do you think?

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first of all thank mam/sir , I the student of Mcs biotcetiongy and now a day I have starteded perprationof ias officer .I try my best .if u provide me a best guidance for clear this exam thanku

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Your articles and way of presenting things related to various topics of social issues have always been very lucid and appropriate. I have been following your site for 1 yr i guess and it’s quite helpful for people doing self study. Thanks allot for your valuable materials for civil service aspirants.

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@Anamika – Thanks a lot for your encouraging comments and support.

March 11, 2019 at 2:55 pm

Very good! article which explained the current reservation scenario in India. Those who oppose the reservation should understand the history behind it. During the time of the suffering of SC/ST since thousands of years were there no people to think about equality in the upper castes?Unless the untouchability is removed from the minds and attitude of the people, reservation for SC/ST is justifiable. The tragedy is that the section of the people who opposed the reservation for SC/ST and other back ward sections, have readily accepted the EWS reservation!!! So it shows that everyone want reservation for their benefit.

March 11, 2019 at 5:32 pm

@Divya – Thank you for the valuable feedback. Happy to know that you liked the article.

October 21, 2021 at 11:28 am

its wrong part talent is never respected in india just caste is respected…… this is main reason that india is still underdeveloped

May 6, 2019 at 7:06 am

It wrongly pronounced that there is not any creamy Lear in SC reservation policy. The well settled parents children also can get reservation. It is wrong . I am being professor in history my children did not apply for scholarship or any facilities.. Second, it is wrongly pronounced that the less merits also can get service vide reservation. Now , there are many students from SC who obtain 90 to 95 % of marks. Also there is long que of candidates for few posts . The recruitment process is completed with merit list , the higher rank holders are selected . Not from low marks. It is not fault of SC ,ST candidates , but it is faults of castiest minded person who made the Castes, caste is in mind and not in human body . It is shamful for the castiest minded group of people who promote caste system in India. Freeze the all Castes , forbid the use of Caste indicating sirnames, disgnated names .

October 14, 2021 at 8:40 am

That’s why reservation quota on the basis of caste should be banned,if really talented people are getting jobs and poor people receiving benefits which given by government. Then quota will be stopped. The reservation system was only meant for 10 years as the Constitution parameter but still it is in progress due to dirty politics.One day will come in India no quota reservation rather talent.

April 19, 2022 at 1:10 pm

Dear Sir, Only the Reservation system in India decides the filing of the post whether a student or a job vacancy. Everywhere else, the general pattern consists of Aptitude Test, Group Discussion and Interviews which select the candidates. (These processes are not related to any caste). So lets make such patterns for selection.

May 23, 2019 at 12:03 am

The articles are very good with each section described so well! good job sir. espically the article on reservation was comendable.

May 24, 2019 at 1:55 pm

Hello…i am swati vasava.Student from SVNIT surat.completed 2nd year in integrated master of science.i want to start upsc preparation from now.i know i should cover all NCERT books from 6 to 12 in this vacation time but i am getting confusion which language should i prefer? English or gujarati!?i completed my school life in Gujarati medium but now i am studying in CBSC board english medium. Please give me suggestion.hope to get reply soon Thanks ☺

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July 1, 2019 at 11:53 pm

The info you gave that reservation was only given for 10 year is wrong. It was political reservation which was given for 10 years, there were no limits set on economical and social reservation.

September 10, 2019 at 1:32 pm

These articles are great. Kindly keep posting such articles and keep up the good work. Thank you for this website.

October 11, 2019 at 8:13 am

Writer need to work on concepts like caste in depth to have better understanding of whole issue, other countries don’t have such a brutal system like caste so we can’t even compare the issue with other affirmative actions as claimed by the writer. There is a complete lack of epistemological understanding of caste and it is reflected in the article.

October 11, 2019 at 8:36 am

Hello Team Clear IAS, While reading your article on Reservation, It seems better and you have given more facts which are essential too. But I finf some mistakes as well.e.g. the true meaning of reservation is lacking, the main objective of reservation is also missed. In the Article You said that Reservation was for 10 year only,here you bluff because this is not the fact. The fact is Reservation was is given in 3 Broad Areas as given below, 1) Political reservation 2) Education R 3) Employment R. So here In Political Field the reservation was given for 10 year with a provision that if this section would not get adequate representation then it would be Extend for next 10 year ( as we know the caste mentality ,bias mentality of our society). This 10 year Criteria was not applicable for Education and Employment. You have give the best facts which are essential to know but this article seems Monotonal, Unbalanced, Acorders.. need improvement as it is most important issue. Thank you.

October 12, 2019 at 1:28 pm

It is true that the Reservation in India is given in 3 broad areas. The article explains that Original Consitution of India has provided reservation only for quota in legislatures – that too only for 10 years until 1960 (article 334). This means the original constitution explicitly mentioned ONLY political reservation.

The article also mentions that the 10-year period of reservation was only for political reservation in the original constitution.

The Education Reservation (Article 15(4)) and the employment reservation Article 16(4) were created by constitutional amendments later. The educational reservation and employment reservation were not explicitly mentioned in the original constitution. The First Constitutional Amendment Act 1951 Introduced Educational Reservation Article 15(4) while the Seventh Constitutional Amenmendent Act 1956 introduced Employment Reservation.

In short, I find the above article as correct. The author has put the facts right.

October 12, 2019 at 1:35 pm

The article was meant to explain the concept of reservation in laymen terms. There is no comparison made with other affirmative actions. However, the reference is made to look if there any best practices exist in other countries which we can adopt to improve our system of reservation.

October 12, 2019 at 1:36 pm

It is the same we meant by writing ‘ only for quota in legislatures – that too only for 10 years until 1960 (article 334)’ and in the next paragraph, No time period is given for the validity of the reservations mentioned in article 15(4) and article 16(4).

December 5, 2019 at 7:07 am

There shouldn’t be any reservation. Still you think discrimination exist,i don’t think so. And what about those who were benefitted by reservation what they have done for upliftment of there society . Nothing! 70 years is too much for upliftment but by giving lame excuse that we have been exploited for 1000 years you can’t justify further need of reservation. It’s all for political benefit by leaders. Unfortunately it is never gonna to end ever. And people always remain in same state unless a new approach for upliftment is opted. Aur chalta rahega mera desh Ram bharose.

January 19, 2021 at 9:38 pm

Dear Ritesh..

1) S.C. ‘s house in most of the haryana villages exist on the outskirts and mainly on the West direction.. where s The Sun sets…. as the upper caste sld be the 1st one to get the Surya-darshan..

2) Funeral grounds, water-Wells are different for lower castes…

3) They still cannot perform “ghurchari” a procession during their marriage.. unlike upper-caste men… Searc for it… many got killed even in police presence..

4) They still are called “dhed ke beej”.. (a casteist slang..) by most of the villagers..

I live in a city… still I’m aware of these discriminations… we just need to be more aware to know the REAL-TRUTH.

Thankyou for your time and patience..

March 13, 2021 at 12:32 am

Yes you are right . Its been 70 years we were not even born . I am a general and have never discriminated any one in my life but still i am facing this . Ppl kept saying we were discriminated 1000 years ago etc etc but man I don’t know who discriminated you then why i am getting punished. And if you know any one being discriminated then what have you done for them ? And if you don’t have done anything for them then stop this because you are just supporting governments tactics of vote bank . Also We generals pay so much fees and I don’t have to explain the difference of fees between us . I respect every catagory but i have never got an answer about WHY RESERVATION EXISTS? the answer that can actually satisfy my question. THANKYOU

December 10, 2019 at 11:39 pm

there is clear adequate solution without compromising merit/efficiency. the reservation is to protect/empower and equal opportunity in decision making. caste/class/gender–regarding reservations to be below 50%— taking any base year of population control imposed— a reservation to be given below 50% of that caste’s total percentage of population-i.e.,if OBC is 41% population then the reservation for them is below 20.5% for SC-below 9.5% out of their 19% population(SC can be subdivided as SC-A and SC-B with 5% and 4.5% out of their 10% and 9%population,actually their population is well below19%) in reserved 50% -the eqality of women automatically reserved to 50% of those seats because women population is 50%. in politics because of empowering necessity to to protect them -50% male and 50% female to be reserved in rotating the costituencies-or-atleast the the parties are to be ordered by court to must give 50-50 seats.

January 27, 2020 at 3:58 am

I am Jagesh Kumar MBA,PGDCA pursuing Company Secretary Executive course from ICSI.

As the aim of caste based reservation was to uplift the lower caste and backward people along with the upper caste and that too for a period of 10 years, later got extended. Now the total percentage of reservation is around 59 percent.

As the aim is achieved need to stop all caste based reservation and implement economic reservation say 25 percent for economically backward people from all castes whose annual income is less than or equal to 50000 or 100000 whatever the parameter is and rest 75 percent must go on open merit.

Then only we can become a developed country and overcome recession.

February 17, 2020 at 12:26 am

Team ClearIAS, I would like to bring to your notice some of the contradictions in your explanatory piece on Reservation Policy in India. Though I would be happy to be proven wrong otherwise. In the section, ‘History of Reservation System in India’, it is written that reservation policy was first instituted for a period of 10 years only for representation in legislatures both central and state with periodic extension clause. Whereas there was no time limit given for provisions of reservation in educational institutions and government jobs. There is no mention of the expiration of the same nowhere in the Constitution. As one moves to the next section, ‘Should India Need Reservation (now)?’, it is clearly written that “Initially, reservation was intended for only SC/STs that too for only 10 years but it got extended ever since.” And, after the implementation of Mandal Commission, it included the OBCs too. My objection is just that while it is factually correct that reservation was first introduced to cover the SC/ST communities and later it got extended to OBCs as well, but it would be incorrect to say that the validity of reservation for Sc/STs was only for 10 years. It definitely was but only in legislatures and not in educational institutions or government jobs. I feel this point should be highlighted here as such errors or typos may mislead the general public and change the course of debate on reservation policy. Regards, A Critical Reader

March 8, 2020 at 10:11 am

I really thankful to u sir/ma’am for such type of notes……..now I m a doing bsc (4th sem) bt I still start preparation for upsc…….bt i usually some confused how I choose optional sub…….sir/ma’am please help me to clear this exam……

May 3, 2020 at 3:28 am

Thank you sir/madam, for providing this detailed information on reservations.

May 31, 2020 at 4:09 pm

బి.సిలు కు రిజ్వేరేషన్ రోష్టర్ నిబంధనలు రూల్సు తెలపగలరని విజ్ఞప్తి.

July 15, 2020 at 4:23 pm

Origin of Caste based Reservation system is in Manu Smriti, in India, and under Manu Smriti, the General category people got 100 percent Caste based Reservation in Education and Employment for thousands of years, in India, and the British white people to do justice to the SC, ST, OBC category people, granted Caste based Reservation to the SC, ST, OBC people in Education and Employment in India, in the year 1936, and the 50 percent Caste based Reservation to the SC, ST, OBC people continued under the Constitution of India, in the year 1950, for the unlimited period of time, and by that way, the General category people lost 50 percent reservation, and therefore they got annoyed for it, and then they started agitations against SC, ST, OBC reservation, and started talking about Merit, and the Times World Higher Education Report 2020 says, the Oxford University, England, is at Rank – 1, and the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, India, is at Rank – 401, and yet the talk about Merit continues in India. Sir Vishal Anand, Nagpur, India.

May 7, 2021 at 3:23 pm

Dear Sir Vishal Anand, Wondering if you got your Sir title from Oxford University or Britishers gave you the title. I guarantee that you must have neither read Manu smriti, nor been to Oxford or IIT and still you like to talk about merit.

July 24, 2020 at 8:27 am

To Vishal Anand, 1. Manusmriti or any ancient texts deals with varnas, which is based on work we do but not castes. 2. Britishers are the ones who introduced “caste” concept to create social unrest. 3. There was no rule in ancient texts to not to learn or perform. It is based on individual with merit has advantages. 4. OBC reservation has been added by indians in mandal commision during 1991 but not britishers.

To All, Definitely reservations is not effective(one and only) tool for social upliftment. Rather its been causing lack of efficiency and quality in all govt sectors. what will address at the upbringing of tribal people who are living far away from towns and cities? Does any SC, ST reservation helps them to get into govt sectors for decision making? Now SC, ST or OBC whoever enjoyed reservations got opportunity to uplift themselves, its been 70 years which is three generations. Can’t they opt-out of reservations as they already are competent enough to participate in merit(general) category? They aren’t, which is indirectly causing imbalance to their caste categories. It is vicious cycle which is now utilized by politicians or administrators for their favour.

Verdict: Reservations has become tool for politicians and administrators for their selfish needs rather than the intention behind this concept.

This is my personal view, based on 30 years of societal exposure. And yes, I’m from MERIT category.

July 1, 2022 at 2:55 pm

I am amazed to see this type of reply from well educated person about castism in India and reservation. For getting benefits of reservation you have to be educated mentaly and economically .As after passed bill about reservation doest not mean they all started getting benefits from the day it was implemented. from my family iam the one who has got the benefits of reservation not from three generations my age 32. This is very simple and easily explainable but still people make it so critical. Yes I’m agreed that reservation is not only tool for uplifting backward class. Peoples drisciminate for 1000year will be capable to compete with so call open category after just 70years and reservation 20%. Total India population more than 50% belongs to SC AND ST Who’s going to represent them in any social economic platform. People are talking about merits but what about opportunities. None of the communities get equal opportunity to compete with them and people talking about merits strange na. School ,collages , University and govt jobs are only platform for these communities to overcome from poverty and social economic backwardness. From my point of view why education is so expensive that people can’t even afford it which is nation requirement for development.why there is no any provision or funds allocated to these institutions to provide free education we allocate 1/3 funds to military to empower the defence but what about inside people are struggling for one time bread. This is very deep can be solved but people are talking about reservation but why it’s required no bodies care. Lower rank person get benefitted over higher rank that’s we call reservation no it’s not it’s representative of their community to equally contribution to the society of their own. 70 years reservation don’t count as three generations. Indian Commission need to go at ground level and they have to get data about why these people are not uplifted even after reservation and they have educate them about education and power of that then only India we reservation free. Please give us equal opportunity in all sector we will definitely compete prove the better result and uplift the society blaming is not the solution.

August 8, 2020 at 1:10 pm

There are 4 types of reservations:

1. Political Reservation

2. Reservation in Education

3. Reservation in Employment

4. Reservation in promotion

According to Article 330:

SC / ST enjoys reservation in the Lok Sabha and in the Legislative Assembly as per Article 332 and Article 334 states that EVERY 10 years the reservation received in the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assembly will be REVIEWED, (not ended) after 10 years. This is the Article whose misconception is for everyone.

It is a sheer lie that all kinds of reservation were only for 10 years.

Now lets come to the second third and fourth type of reservation:

Articles 15 and 16, which are fundamental constitutional rights, include reservation of SC / ST in education and employment in 15 (4) and 16 (4) included in it. These are fundamental rights. So no one can change them because they are fundamental constitutional rights.

After the Constitution came into force, the ruling class and opposition deliberately spread the misconception that reservation in employment and education was only for 10 years.

The truth that all Indians should be made aware of is that reservation in EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION is not just for 10 years. IT IS FOR GOOD. THAT MEANS FOREVER—-(unless caste is abolished).

As long as the caste system remains, the reservation system will remain till then!

It is true that the reservation system was meant to protect the Scheduled Castes and Tribes only temporarily UNTIL the successful ANNIHILATION OF CASTE, which most seem to have forgotten to work towards.

August 28, 2020 at 11:01 am

your content is beneficial for many of students who really want to know about this.thank you for sharing a valuable content.

October 23, 2020 at 2:57 am

My real question would be is how many upper caste people are willing to marry freely and consider SC and ST people as their equals? Will a Brahmin Boy marry a Dailit girl of same qualifications and economic status? Caste is not in the class you are it is entwined in the mindset of Indians from Childhood. Ambedkar clearly saw this evil and did what’s best without creating a physical divide in this nation. Tell me one sanitary worker from upper caste. I heard of upper caste sanitary workers cleaning toilets used by upper caste people. Caste still remains in India and is not spoken openly in cities. But in villages it’s a daily conversation. Open the matrimonial page in a news paper, look at all the caste based requirements parents post. It sickens me to my bones to see that. And here they are trying to pluck out the bud before it has blossomed. Yes the creamy layer is the final bud that is about to blossom and pollinate thereby creating a better species of Dalits who will be ready to take on this oppression with more knowledge, money and unity.

March 13, 2021 at 12:57 am

Sir in which era you are living please tell us . 1. In india more than thousands of upper caste ppl marry lower caste ppl this concept is known as inter-caste marriage and sir it is very common now a days . [happened in my own family] 2. Many of my close friends are from lower caste and we are equal . 3. Please go and google how many upper caste ppl are working as labour’s, rickshaw pullers, cleaning toilets etc etc i hope we will get your answer which will help you get out of your imaginary era where no hindu works as mentioned above . 4. No one speaks about castes openly in cities because in cities only qualification matters . 5. In matrimony sites ever family demands for girl/boy of same catagory/caste muslim will ask for muslim , christian fir christian , general for general , SC for SC because it is arrange marriage sir and this is what happens in arrange marriage 6. Its been 70 years and buds have already bloomed now please try to get out of your imaginary era Thankyou

December 21, 2020 at 5:44 pm

I think today india needs no reservation on the basis of caste whether it is sc or obc. Reservation should only give on the basis of financial status. Every reserved caste have only two points.. First is that general caste people are rich they belong to raja/maharaja there ancestors bullied lower caste people and all that…..first of all….i am from rajput family and clearly note my words * i am not rich, i belong to economical weaker section, with inclusion of our farming income we rarely touches 4 or 5 lakh annually, we dont have our own house we still live in rented house, we dont have a car(even not a maruti) no bike, we only have a chetak scooter, we are 3 members in family and we can’t even go anywhere together on chetak beacause we are unable to fit on that together, and i am preparing for govt. Job but due to high fee of coaching institutes i am unable to go there, and also we have complementary our indian so-called quota system*. Now tell me from where you can say that general category are rich. Now let me come to second point….reserved categories always put blame on us that there ancestors bullied the lower caste people…..now note it * if anyone do crime like murder, then who deserves punishment? That person who did murder or his next generation? Who doesnt even know for what they are being criticized……i want to know ….is this equality? *.

Now one another point they have that…why dont upper castes marry in dalits?…. Let me tell you…..according to our constitution an adult can marry in any religion or any caste. What he or she want………there are tonnes of examples of intercaste marriages…. We general categories are have done alot marriages in dalits……now let me ask you….why dont you marry in muslim or christian or any other religion? And let me come on another point…….they always say that there is no sanitary worker belongs to upper caste……. Did you know all sanitary workers personally? That with what caste they belong……..

At the end i only want to say that reservation should only be given on financial basis not on caste system….. Thank you 🙏💕

December 21, 2020 at 5:50 pm

March 2, 2021 at 2:40 pm

Well said sir

April 1, 2021 at 11:10 am

Sir I am a statistician conducting a survey on the topic (do we still need caste based reservation in education).Can you suggest me of some questions to prepare a questionnaire.

May 9, 2021 at 8:05 pm

Informative.. Thanks A Lot. Reservation is good but need of the hour is to implement Reservation based on Economic condition. Recently, I wrote a same article on ‘Reservation in India’ based on Data you provided in this Article. Credit goes to you for Data.

My Site link is – https://www.thepanoramaglobal.com

August 12, 2021 at 9:04 pm

Of course,do you not need reservation if you are given it? The future is the tussle for reservations by all communities and it will be revoked.

August 17, 2021 at 8:21 pm

If 10% quota based on economic backward section then why it should only for general ews category ?

November 1, 2021 at 9:39 pm

Because other castes already have reservation. At least 80% people who get some form of caste quota (especially OBC) wish if they can get more quota. I suspect that you belong to OBC category, so I understand why you asked that question.

November 6, 2021 at 2:48 am

Team Clearias, Thanks for the well written article. But there are many things in the article you missed mentioning. Like Political Reservations taking away civil liberties from unreserved category people in India. As we know GEN and OBC are banned from contesting election in 130 lok sabha districts, which I feel is quite unfair on them. In a democracy everyone should be allowed to contest elections, nobody should be banned as it is a universal civil liberty. India is the only democratic country in the world which bans hundreds of millions of people from contesting elections. Should a democratic country have such laws which denies its own citizens democratic rights? Shouldn’t contesting elections be everyone’s right? But sadly in India everyone doesnt have that right. Plus political reservations are also implemented in state and muncipal elections which means majority of the populationof our country are denied from contesting elections. This is quite bad for the democracy of our country.

You missed this important point in your article. I hope you include it in your article.

November 7, 2022 at 4:48 pm

What about outcome by reservation? Is it best for the system. If there’s any kind of reservation it will eventually decrease the productivity. If the system develop the backward classes automatically come forward. You know why there’s no kind of reservation in Indian cricket team because they are competing at world level if there are reservation they can’t play with their 11 best player in the country. There’s no reservations in army cause if there are unfit soldiers in army it will cost our country instantly. Everyone should get equal of opportunities not equal seats. Competition will lead the development of the country. Government should make sure that everyone should get equal opportunities instead of quotas.

June 1, 2023 at 6:59 am

I am an OBC category candidate having a valid OBC certificate, but got selected for the post of Assistant Prof in the year 2006 under general category (didn’t use by OBC cert). The category detail in my personal file in my personal file is that of UR. I have applied for getting a forwarding from my current employer for the post of Associate Prof. under OBC category in a central University, exclusively for OBC .So, am I eligible to get the forwarding for the OBC exclusive post even though I am occupying the seat of an UR in my current job.Can you please provide me some court ruling of any similar case. I would happy if you could help me.

June 5, 2023 at 5:39 pm

sir , will you pl add reference list of the above work for using it for research as well.

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Reservation system in india: concept, arguments and conclusions.

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Reservation System in India: Concept, Arguments and Conclusions!

Defining Reservation :

Reservation in common terms refers to an act of reserving, keeping back or withholding.

Reservation in the Indian Context :

Reservation in Indian law is a form of affirmative action whereby a percentage of seats are reserved in the public sector units, union and state civil services, union and state government departments and in all public and private educational institutions, except in the religious/ linguistic minority educational institutions, for the socially and educationally backward communities and the Scheduled Castes and Tribes who are inadequately represented in these services and institutions. The reservation policy is also extended for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for representation in the Parliament of India.

The Rationale behind the Concept :

The underlying theory for the provision of reservation by the state is the under-representation of the identifiable groups as a legacy of the Indian caste system. After India gained independence, the Constitution of India listed some erstwhile groups as Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

The framers of the Constitution believed that, due to the caste system, SCs and the STs were historically oppressed and denied respect and equal opportunity in Indian society and were thus under-represented in nation-building activities.

The Constitution laid down 15% and 7.5% of vacancies to government aided educational institutes and for jobs in the government/public sector, as reserved quota for the SC and ST candidates respectively for a period of five years, after which the situation was to be reviewed.

The Present Status :

After introducing the provision for reservation once, it got related to vote bank politics and the following governments and the Indian Parliament routinely extended this period, without any free and fair revisions. Later, reservations were introduced for other sections as well.

The Supreme Court ruling that reservations cannot exceed 50% (which it judged would violate equal access guaranteed by the Constitution) has put a cap on reservations. The central government of India reserves 27% of higher education, and individual states may legislate further reservations. Reservation in most states is at 50%, but certain Indian states like Rajasthan have proposed a 68% reservation that includes a 14% reservation for forward castes in services and education.

However, there are states laws that exceed this 50% limit and these are under litigation in the Supreme Court. For example, the caste-based reservation fraction stands at 69% and is applicable to about 87% of the population in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Arguments Offered By Supporters of Reservation :

a. Reservations are a political necessity in India

b. Although Reservation schemes do undermine the quality of education but still Affirmative Action has helped many if not everyone from under-privileged and/or under-represented communities to grow and occupy top positions in the world’s leading industries.

c. Although Reservation schemes do undermine the quality, they are needed to provide social justice to the most marginalized and underprivileged which is their human right.

d. Meritocracy is meaningless without equality. First all people must be brought to the same level, whether it elevates a section or decelerates another, regardless of merit.

e. Reservations have only slowed down the process of “Forward becoming richer and backward becoming poorer”.

Arguments Offered by Anti-Reservationists :

a. Intellectuals and Philanthropists agree that reservations will divide India Reservation is similar to internal partition because in addition to being a form of ethnic discrimination, it also builds walls against inter-caste and inter-faith marriages. Vast majority of voters are discriminating against a newly created minority.

b. Reservations are the biggest enemy of meritocracy. By offering reservation through relaxed entry criteria, we are fuelling inflation of moderate credentials as opposed to the promotion of merit based education system, which is the foundation of many progressive countries. Meritocracy should not be polluted by injecting relaxation of entry barriers, rather should be encouraged by offering financial aids to the underprivileged although deserving candidates only. Today the NTs and IIMs hold a high esteem in the global scenario due to their conservation of merit.

c. Caste Based Reservation only perpetuates the notion of caste in society, rather than weakening it as a factor of social consideration, as envisaged by the constitution. Reservation is a tool to meet narrow political ends.

d. Affirmative Action can be provided at a more comprehensive level taking into account various factors of exclusion such as caste, economic conditions, gender, kind of schooling received etc. A comprehensive scheme of Affirmative Action would be more beneficial than reservations in addressing concerns of social justice.

e. Allocating quotas is a form of discrimination which is contrary to the right to equality.

f. There is great confusion in the “pro-reservation camp”. While they clamour for 33% reservation for women in parliament and state legislatures [and do not accept caste quotas as part of women’s quotas], they do not want special consideration for women in quotas in higher education. This is implicit acceptance of the fact that there are multiple factors of exclusion and discrimination at work in society.

g. The policy of reservation has never been subject to a widespread social or political audit. Before extending reservation to more groups, the entire policy needs to be properly examined, and its benefits over a span of nearly 60 years have to be gauged.

h. Poor people from “forward castes” do not have any social or economical advantage over rich people from backward caste.

i. Combination of factors like Wealth, Income, and Occupation etc will help to identify real needy people. Most often, only the economically sound people make use of most of the seats reserved for “backward” castes, thus making the aim a total failure.

j. There is fear that reservation once introduced will never be withdrawn even if there is a proof for upliftment of backward classes, due to political issues. For example, in Tamil Nadu, forward castes were able to secure only 3% of total seats (and 9% in Open Competition) in professional institutions at Undergraduate level as against their population percentage of 13%. This is a clear case of reverse discrimination.

k. Many cite the Mandal Commission report while supporting the idea of reservations. According to the Mandal commission, 52% of the Indians belong to OBC category, while according to National Sample Survey 1999-2000, this figure is only 36% (32% excluding Muslim OBCs).

l. This policy of the government has already caused increase in brain drain and may aggravate further. Under graduates and graduates will start moving to foreign universities for higher education.

Committees and Commissions on the Issue of Reservation :

a. 1882 – Hunter Commission was appointed. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule made a demand of free and compulsory education for all along with proportionate reservation/representation in government jobs.

b. 1953-Kalelkar Commission was established to assess the situation of the socially and educationally backward class. The report was accepted as far as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were concerned. The recommendations for OBC’s were rejected.

c. 1979-Mandal Commission was established to assess the situation of the socially and educationally backward. The commission didn’t have exact figures for a sub-caste, known as the Other Backward Class (OBC), and used the 1930 census data, further classifying 1,257 communities as backward, to estimate the OBC population at 52%.ln 1980, the commission submitted a report, and recommended changes to the existing quotas, increasing them from 22% to 49.5%.ln 1990, the Mandal commission recommendations were implemented in Government Jobs by Vishwanath Pratap Singh. Student Organisations launched nationwide agitations. Rajiv Goswami, a Delhi university student attempted self-immolation. Many students followed suit.

d. 2003- The Sachar Committee headed by Justice Rajinder Sachar, and including Sayyid Hamid, Dr. T.K. Ooman, M.A. Basith, Dr.Akhtar Majeed, Dr.Abu Saleh Shariff and Dr.Rakesh Basant was appointed for preparation of a report on the social, economic and educational status of the Muslim community of India. Dr.Syed Zafar Mahmood was the civil servant appointed by the PM as Officer on Special Duty to the Committee. The committee submitted its report in the year 2006.

Implementation of Sachar Committee Recommendations: Marching Towards ‘Inclusive Growth’:

Welfare of Minorities, specially of the underprivileged section of them, has been put high on the agenda of the UPA Government ever since it adopted ‘inclusive growth’ as its guiding principle of governance. Otherwise too, in every meaningful democracy, it’s the duty of the state, and as a corollary, responsibility of the majority community to ensure the welfare of minorities so that all sections of the society feel proud to be part of the democratic setup and thus contribute their best to the development of the nation.

Specially in our historical context: where all communities and sections of people had marched shoulder to shoulder and laid down their lives in the War of Independence, the concept of ‘Inclusive Growth’ becomes sine qua non for the roadmap of development and progress.

It was in this context that the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, had appointed in March 2005 a High Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Justice Rajindar Sachar to prepare a report on social, economic and educational status of the Muslim Community of India.

This study was necessary because till then there was no authentic information on the social, economic and educational backwardness, of this community, thereby hampering proper formulation and implementation of specific policies, interventions and programmes to address the issues relating to its socio-economic backwardness.

This 7-member High Level Committee, popularly known as Sachar Committee, gave its report in November 2006 – and it clearly found that the Muslim community was really “seriously lagging behind in terms of most of the human development indicators.”

The Government immediately sensed the gravity of the problem and started working on the follow-up action in right earnest. Of the 76 recommendations of the Committee, 72 were accepted. Ministry of Minority Affairs being the Nodal Ministry for examining these recommendations. And in less than a year, i.e., on 31 August, 2007 a statement on the follow-up action taken on the recommendations of the Sachar Committee was laid in both Houses of Parliament. The progress of implementation is being reviewed regularly.

Ever since the Government has been taking regular steps towards implementation of major recommendations of the Sachar Committee. Education being the most powerful means of socioeconomic transformation, a multi-pronged strategy to address the educational backwardness of the Muslim community, as brought out by the Sachar Committee, has been adopted.

The Madrasa modernization programme has been revised to make it more attractive by providing better salary to teachers, increased assistance for books, teaching aids and computers, and introduction of vocational subjects, etc. This scheme, now known as Quality Improvement in Madrasa Education, has been launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

A new centrally sponsored scheme of financial assistance for Infrastructure Development of Privately Managed Elementary/Secondary/Senior Secondary schools set up for minorities has been launched. National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has prepared text books for all classes in the light of the National Curriculum Framework-2005.

Thirteen universities have been provided Rs.40 lakh each for starting centers for studying social exclusion and inclusive policy for minorities and scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Under the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya scheme (KGBV), criteria of educational backward blocks has been revised with effect from 1st April 2008 to cover blocks with less than 30% rural female literacy and in urban areas with less than national average of female literacy 53.67 % (Census 2001).

Universalization of access to quality education at secondary stage (SUCCESS) has been approved. Setting up of new Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSSs) is being incorporated in the revised schemes by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Provision of more girls’ hostels in colleges and universities in minority concentration districts/blocks is proposed under the existing University Grants Commission scheme of the Ministry of HRD.

Three scholarship schemes for minority communities viz., Pre-Matric, Post-Matric and Merit- cum-Means were launched and 6.89 lakh scholarships were awarded to students belonging to minority communities in 2008-09. The corpus of Maulana Azad Education Foundation, which stood at Rs. 100 crores, was doubled to Rs. 200 crores in December, 2006.

The corpus was increased by Rs. 50 crores in 2007-08 and by Rs. 60 crore in 2008-09. A budget provision of Rs.115 crore has been made in 2009-10. A revised Coaching and Allied scheme was launched and 5522 candidates belonging to minority communities were provided assistance in 2008-09.

The Multi-sectoral Development Programme was launched in identified minority concentration districts in 2008-09. Plans of 47 Minority Concentration Districts (MCDs) in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Bihar, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Orissa were approved and Rs.270.85 crores were released in 2008-09. In the current Financial Year.

Plans of more than a dozen more MCDs have been approved till date. An inter-ministerial Task Force constituted to devise an appropriate strategy and action plan for developing 338 identified towns, having substantial minority population, rapidly in a holistic manner submitted its report on 8th November, 2007. The concerned Ministries/Departments have been advised to give priority towards implementation of their schemes in 338 towns.

Economic factor being an important tool in the upliftment of a community, all public sector banks have been directed to open more branches in districts having a substantial minority population. In 2007-08, 523 branches were opened in such districts. In 2008-09, 524 new branches were opened.

Reserve Bank of India revised its Master Circular on 5th July, 2007 on priority sector lending for improving credit facilities to minority communities. Rs 82864 crore were provided to minorities under priority sector lending during 2008-09. District Consultative Committees (DCCs) of lead banks have been directed to regularly monitor disposal and rejection of loan applications from minorities. The Government has accorded ‘in principle’ approval for restructuring of National.

Minorities Development and Finance Corporation:

A National Data Bank, to compile data on the various socio-economic and basic amenities parameters for socio-religious communities, has been set up in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. An autonomous Assessment & Monitoring Authority (AMA), to analyse data collected for taking appropriate and corrective policy decisions, has been set up in the Planning Commission.

A training module has been developed by the Indian Institute of Public Administration, for sensitization of government officials. The module has been sent to the Central/ State Training Institutes for implementation. Lai Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) has prepared a module for sensitization of organized civil services and it has been incorporated in their training programmes.

Under Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT), additional central assistance of Rs 1602.20 crore has been sanctioned for 69 towns having substantial minority population, out of which Rs.659.37 crore was released in 2008-09.

A High Level Committee, set up to review the Delimitation Act, has considered the concerns expressed in the Sachar Committee report and submitted its report. Guidelines on Communal Harmony have been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Dissemination of information regarding health and family welfare schemes is being undertaken in regional languages in minority concentration areas.

State Governments and UTs have been advised by Department of Personnel & Training for posting of Muslim police personnel in thanas and Muslim health personnel and teachers in Muslim concentration areas. State Governments have been advised by Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Urban Development, to improve representation of minorities in local bodies.

The recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Wakfs have been received. These have been processed as per approved modalities. An expert group constituted to study and recommend the structure and functions of an Equal Opportunity Commission submitted its report on 13th March, 2008.

This has been processed, along with the report of the expert group on diversity index, as per the approved modalities. To meet the ever growing need for ameliorating the condition of minorities, and Muslim community in particular, the Annual Plan allocation for the Ministry of Minority Affair is has been increased substantially to Rs 1,740 crore for the year 2009-10.

Conclusion:

The issue of reservation has remained a cause of disagreement between the reserved and the non- reserved sections of the society. While the unreserved segments, keep on opposing the provision, the neediest sections from within the reserved segments are hardly aware about how to get benefited from the provision or even whether there are such provisions.

On the contrary, the creamy layer among the same segment is enjoying special privileges in the name of reservation and political factions are supporting them for vote banks. Reservation is no doubt good, as far as it is a method of appropriate positive discrimination for the benefit of the downtrodden and economically backward Sections o, the society but when it tends to harm the society and ensures privileges for some at the cost of others for narrow political ends, as it is in the present form, it should be done away with, as soon possible.

Reservation in India: Controversy, Justification and Criticism
Mandal Commission : Reservation for Backward Class

Reservation

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Indian Reservations

By: History.com Editors

Updated: July 9, 2023 | Original: December 8, 2017

Native American Encampment - Lakota Indians UNITED STATES - CIRCA 1890: Bird's-eye view of a Lakota camp (several teepees and wagons in large field)--probably on or near Pine Ridge Reservation. (Photo by Buyenlarge/Getty Images)

The Indian reservation system established tracts of land called reservations for Native Americans to live on as white settlers took over their land. The main goals of Indian reservations were to bring Native Americans under U.S. government control, minimize conflict between Indians and settlers and encourage Native Americans to take on the ways of the white man. But many Native Americans were forced onto reservations with catastrophic results and devastating, long-lasting effects.

Treaty of Hopewell

In 1785, the Treaty of Hopewell was signed in Georgia—the largest state at the time—placing the native Cherokees under the protection of a young United States and setting boundaries for their land.

But it wasn’t long before European settlers intruded on Cherokee land. The Cherokees cried foul and revolted against the white settlements. To reestablish peace between the Cherokees and the settlers, the Treaty of Holston was signed in 1791 in which the Cherokees agreed to give up all land outside of their established borders.

Not only did the federal government want Native Americans to give up their land, they also encouraged them to become farmers and Christians. In the early 19th century, settlers moved into southern Cherokee territory en masse and wanted their government representatives to claim the land.

The United States acted to remove all Indian nations from the southeast. Georgia agreed to cede her western land to the government in return for Indian land title.

Andrew Jackson

After the Louisiana Purchase , Thomas Jefferson hoped to move eastern Indian tribes past the Mississippi River—but most Indians rejected his idea. When Georgia held lotteries to allocate seized Indian land, the battle-weary Creeks who’d sought sanctuary in east Alabama fought for their independence against the militia of Andrew Jackson , which included so-called “friendly Indians.”

After suffering a devastating defeat at what became known as the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, the Creeks yielded more than 20 million acres of land to the federal government.

Over the next several years, the government passed several acts to diminish Indian autonomy, despite the Cherokee forming a new constitution-based government of their own. And in December 1828, Georgia ordered the seizure of the remaining Cherokee land in their state.

Indian Removal Act

On May 28, 1830, the Indian Removal Act was signed by President Jackson. The Act allowed the government to divide land west of the Mississippi to give to Indian tribes in exchange for the land they’d lost. The government would pick up the cost of relocating the Indians and helping them resettle.

The Indian Removal Act was controversial, but Jackson argued it was the best option since settlers had rendered Indian lands incompatible with sustaining their way of life.

Trail of Tears

Over the next few years, the Choctaw, Chickasaw and Creeks were forced to move westward on foot, often in chains and with little or no food and supplies. Even some Indians in the North were forced to relocate.

In 1838, President Martin Van Buren sent federal troops to march the remaining southern Cherokee holdouts 1,200 miles to Indian territory in the Plains. Disease and starvation were rampant, and thousands died along the way, giving the tortuous journey the nickname “ Trail of Tears .”

A group of Seminoles, however, refused to leave and hunkered down in Florida . They fought federal troops for almost a decade before their leader was killed and they finally surrendered.

The Indian Appropriations Act

As white settlers continued westward and needed more land, Indian territory shrank—but there was no more land for the government to move them to.

In 1851, Congress passed the Indian Appropriations Act, which created the Indian reservation system and provided funds to move Indian tribes onto farming reservations and hopefully keep them under control.

Life on Indian Reservations

Daily living on the reservations was hard at best. Not only had tribes lost their native lands, but it was almost impossible to maintain their culture and traditions inside a confined area.

Feuding tribes were often thrown together and Indians who were once hunters struggled to become farmers. Starvation was common, and living in close quarters hastened the spread of diseases brought by white settlers.

Indians were encouraged or forced to wear non-Indian clothes and learn to read and write English, sew and raise livestock. Missionaries attempted to convert them to Christianity and give up their spiritual beliefs.

The Dawes Act

In 1887, the Dawes Act was signed by President Grover Cleveland allowing the government to divide reservations into small plots of land for individual Indians. The government hoped the legislation would help Indians assimilate into white culture easier and faster and improve their quality of life.

But the Dawes Act had a devastating impact on Native American tribes. It decreased the land owned by Indians by more than half and opened even more land to white settlers and railroads. Much of the reservation land wasn’t good farmland, and many Indians couldn’t afford the supplies needed to reap a harvest.

Prior to the Indian reservation system, Indian women farmed and took care of the land while men hunted and helped protect the tribe. Now, men were forced to farm, and women took on more domestic roles.

The Indian Reorganization Act

After a review of life on Indian reservations known as the Meriam Survey, it was clear the Dawes Act was severely detrimental to Native Americans.

The law was ended in 1934 and replaced with the Indian Reorganization Act with the goals of restoring Indian culture and returning surplus land to tribes. It also encouraged tribes to self-govern and write their own constitutions and provided financial aid for reservation infrastructure.

Modern Indian Reservations

Modern Indian reservations still exist across the United States and fall under the umbrella of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The tribes on each reservation are sovereign and not subject to most federal laws.

They handle most reservation-related obligations but depend on the federal government for financial support. On many reservations, the main sources of revenue are tourism and gambling.

According to the BIA, 567 federally-recognized American Indian tribes and Alaskan natives reside in the United States. The BIA is responsible for improving their quality of life, providing them with economic opportunities and improving their assets which the BIA holds in trust.

Despite their efforts, living conditions on reservations aren’t ideal and are often compared to that of a third-world country. Housing is overcrowded and often below standards, and many people on the reservations are stuck in a cycle of poverty.

Health care on reservations is provided through Indian Health Services , but it’s underfunded and, in some cases, practically non-existent. Many Native Americans die from lifestyle-related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Infant mortality rates are significantly higher for Indians than for whites, and alcohol and drug abuse is on the rise. Many people leave the reservations for urban areas in search of employment and improved living conditions.

The Indian reservation system was originally established as a result of the greed and prejudice of early American settlers and the federal government. Despite its challenges then and now, Native American nations continue to hold on to their unique heritage and work to thrive as communities.

HISTORY Vault: Native American History

From Comanche warriors to Navajo code talkers, learn more about Indigenous history.

1851: Congress creates reservations to manage Native peoples. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Native Voices. Bureau of Indian Affairs. USA.gov. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA): Mission Statement. U.S. Department of the Interior: Bureau of Indian Affairs. Cherokee Removal. New Georgia Encyclopedia. Indian Removal Timeline. University of Houston Digital History. Indian Treaties and the Removal Act of 1830. Office of the Historian, Bureau of Public Affairs. Living Conditions. Native American Aid. The Battle of Horseshoe Bend: Collision of Cultures. National Park Service.

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Essay on Reservation System in India

Students are often asked to write an essay on Reservation System in India in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Reservation System in India

What is reservation system in india.

The reservation system in India is a policy that sets aside a certain percentage of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for individuals from disadvantaged communities. These communities include Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

Importance of Reservation System

The reservation system aims to promote social equality and provide opportunities for marginalized groups to access education and employment. It helps in addressing historical injustices and inequalities prevalent in Indian society.

Criticism and Debates

Critics argue that the reservation system can lead to reverse discrimination and hinder merit-based selection. There are ongoing debates on the effectiveness and fairness of this policy.

The reservation system in India remains a complex and contentious issue, balancing the need for affirmative action with the principles of meritocracy and equal opportunities.

250 Words Essay on Reservation System in India

Introduction.

India’s reservation system is a method to provide opportunities to historically disadvantaged groups in education and employment. It aims to ensure that everyone has an equal chance to succeed in society.

The reservation system in India dates back to the days when the country was fighting for independence. Leaders believed in uplifting marginalized communities through affirmative action.

Reservations are applied in educational institutions to make sure that students from underprivileged backgrounds get access to quality education. This helps in creating a more diverse and inclusive society.

In the job sector, reservations are implemented to offer opportunities to individuals from disadvantaged groups. This helps in reducing inequality and promoting social justice.

While the reservation system has its benefits, it also faces challenges. Some argue that it leads to unfair advantages and can sometimes cause resentment among different sections of society.

The reservation system plays a crucial role in addressing historical injustices and promoting equality. It helps in creating a more balanced and harmonious society where everyone has a chance to succeed.

In conclusion, the reservation system in India is a tool to uplift the marginalized and create a more inclusive society. It is a step towards building a nation where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to the country’s growth.

500 Words Essay on Reservation System in India

The Reservation System in India is a policy that sets aside a certain percentage of seats or places in educational institutions, government jobs, and legislative bodies for individuals from historically disadvantaged communities. This system aims to provide opportunities for those who have faced discrimination and social exclusion for centuries.

History of Reservation System

The roots of the Reservation System in India can be traced back to the country’s colonial past and the social reform movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. The system was formalized in the Indian Constitution to address the deep-rooted inequalities and promote social justice in a diverse society like India.

Types of Reservations

There are primarily two types of reservations in India: caste-based reservations and reservations for economically weaker sections. Caste-based reservations are aimed at Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), while reservations for economically weaker sections cater to individuals from economically marginalized backgrounds.

The Reservation System plays a crucial role in ensuring representation and inclusivity in various spheres of society. It provides opportunities for marginalized communities to access education, employment, and political participation, thereby empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and social exclusion.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the Reservation System has been instrumental in uplifting disadvantaged communities, it also faces challenges and criticisms. One of the main criticisms is the perpetuation of caste divisions and the emergence of a creamy layer within reserved categories, which dilutes the benefits for the most deserving candidates.

Merit vs. Reservations

The debate between meritocracy and reservations is a complex and ongoing one in India. While some argue that reservations compromise merit-based selection processes, others believe that reservations are necessary to address historical injustices and create a more equitable society. Striking a balance between merit and reservations remains a significant challenge.

Future of Reservation System

As India continues to evolve and strive for greater social equality, the Reservation System will likely undergo reforms to address its shortcomings and adapt to the changing needs of society. Ensuring that reservations benefit those who truly need them while maintaining standards of excellence will be key in shaping the future of the system.

In conclusion, the Reservation System in India is a multifaceted policy aimed at promoting social justice and inclusivity. While it has played a crucial role in empowering marginalized communities, there are also valid concerns regarding its implementation and impact. As India progresses towards a more equitable society, it is essential to evaluate and refine the Reservation System to ensure that it continues to serve its intended purpose effectively.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Insights into Editorial: The key to revitalising India’s reservation system

Recently, the central government approved reservation for the OBC and EWS (Economically Weaker Section) categories within the All India Quota (AIQ) for NEET, the uniform entrance examination for medical and dental colleges across the country.

Hoardings and posters lauding the government for introducing reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examinations and a renewed debate on caste census have once again brought the debate on affirmative action in the limelight.

The idea of reservation policy should be maintained, and the actual backward classes who are in real and not fiction denied access to education, job opportunities etc be benefitted.

Reservation system in India:

Reservation in Indian law is a form of affirmative action whereby a percentage of seats are reserved in the public sector units, union and state civil services, union and state government departments and in all public and private educational institutions, except in the religious/ linguistic minority educational institutions, for the socially and educationally backward communities who are inadequately represented in these services and institutions.

The affirmative action programme that was envisaged during the founding moments of the republic is indeed one of the remarkable provisions to have been worked out by our Constitution makers.
It has been historically significant in enunciating the principle of justice in a deeply unequal and oppressive social order such as ours.
Part XVI deals with reservation of SC and ST in Central and State legislatures.
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 issue of reservation has remained a cause of disagreement between the reserved and the non- reserved sections of the society.
While the unreserved segments, keep on opposing the provision, the neediest sections from within the reserved segments are hardly aware about how to get benefited from the provision or even whether there are such provisions.
On the contrary, the creamy layer among the same segment is enjoying special privileges in the name of reservation and political factions are supporting them for vote banks.

Still no visible equity translation:

The reservation system aims to uplift the lower sections of society which, through the ages, have been exploited and deprived of rights and basic amenities.

They are supposed to become a part of mainstream society and, as a result, people will start accepting them.

While it is undeniable that these provisions have been one of the protagonists of Indian democracy’s success stories, these have also accumulated a fair share of problems and call for immediate policy attention and debate.

Through reservation of seats in political and public institutions of the state, it was thought that the hitherto marginalised groups which have suffered generations of oppression and humiliation would, finally, be able to find place in the power sharing and decision-making processes.

However, this strategy of removal of disabilities has not translated into an equalisation of life chances for many groups in our heterogeneous society.

Problems with current policy:

There is now a strong demand from those who have not been able to accrue the benefits of reservations from within the marginalised sections , to devise some policy option which may be able to supplement the existing system of reservation.
The fact that the current system suffers from the “ problem of reification ” is not just wishful thinking, but a hard fact .
The data released by the Justice G. Rohini Commission’s report on the sub-categorisation of OBCs gives a good synoptic view to understand this.
Based on the last five years’ data on appointments in central government jobs and OBC admissions to central higher education institutions, the commission concluded that 97% of central OBC quota benefits go to just under 25% of its castes.
As many as 983 OBC communities — 37% of the total have zero representation in both central government jobs and admissions to central universities .
Also, the report states that just 10% of the OBC communities have accrued 24.95% of jobs and admissions.
Clearly, the assumption that the disadvantages of every sub-group within each category are the same is severely misplaced.
It is important to note that the Rohini Commission’s data are based just on the institutions that come under the purview of the central government.
We hardly have any legible data on the socio-economic conditions of varied social groups at more local levels of State and society.
Consequently, asymmetrical distribution of reservation has severely deterred political projects of unified subaltern solidarity.
Parties that were once able to build large Bahujan solidarities are now finding it difficult to garner such support.
This should give us hints about the extent of the problem rather than ruling them out as mere conspiracies of breaking lower caste unity.

Need of the Hour: Affirmative action and Equality in opportunities:

What is urgently required is a mechanism that can address this lacuna and make the system more accountable and sensitive to intra-group demands .

Since every further categorisation will only lead to reification and fragmentation in the long run, two things are required .

One, we urgently need to develop a wide variety of context-sensitive, evidence-based policy options that can be tailored to meet specific requirements of specific groups.
Two, we need an institution alike the Equal Opportunities Commission of the United States or the United Kingdom which can undertake two important but interrelated things: make a deprivation index correlating data from the socio-economic-based census of different communities including caste, gender, religion, and other group inequalities and rank them to make tailor made policies .
Undertake an audit on performance of employers and educational institutions on non-discrimination and equal opportunity and issue codes of good practice in different sectors.
This will make the formulation of policy and its monitoring simpler at an institutional level.

Way Forward:

As evident, a socio-economic caste-based census becomes a necessary precondition to initiate any meaningful reform in the affirmative action regime in India.

It is worth noting that similar suggestions were made a decade ago in the recommendations that the expert committee for an Equal Opportunities Commission (2008) made in its comprehensive report that it submitted to the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

However, little policy progress has been made in this regard. Successive governments have been reluctant to engage with such radical policy options, almost always caving in to immediate and myopic political gains.

Conclusion:

Reservation is no doubt good, as far as it is a method of appropriate positive discrimination for the benefit of the downtrodden and economically backward Sections , the society but when it tends to harm the society and ensures privileges for some at the cost of others for narrow political ends , as it is in the present form, it should be done away with, as soon possible.

As underlined above, there is a dire need of accurate data pertaining to the socio-economic condition of different social groups.

Though caste-based reservations have been pivotal in animating upward social mobility and led to the emergence of a handful of politically mature and visible Dalit-Bahujan castes, we hardly have sufficient data about the actual reach and access of this policy measure.

The marginal majority within still dwells in the waiting room of history, waiting to see the light of the policy grid of the state.

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The key to revitalising India’s reservation system

September 6, 2021

UPSC Articles

GOVERNANCE/ SOCIETY

GS-1: Indian Society & its challenges
GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Context : Introducing reservations for OBCs in the All India Quota of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examinations.

Why Reservations?

In deeply unequal and oppressive social orde r of Indian Society, some sort of state support (like reservations) is needed to promote inclusive development.
Through reservations, marginalised groups — which have suffered generations of oppression and humiliation — would be able to find place in the power sharing and decision-making processes.

However, reservation has not translated into an equalisation of life chances for many groups in our heterogeneous society.

Intra-Group Demands : There is now a strong demand to revise the policy, from those who have not been able to enjoy the benefits of reservations from within the marginalised sections
Asymmetrical distribution of reservation : 97% of central OBC quota benefits go to just under 25% of its castes. As many as 983 OBC communities — 37% of the total — have zero representation in both central government jobs and admissions to central universities. (G.Rohini Commission report)
Insufficiency of Data: There is hardly any legible data on the socio-economic conditions of varied social groups at State & local level. Also, we do not know what liberalisation has done to castes which remained tied to more traditional sources of income.

Way Forward:

There is a need for an institution alike the Equal Opportunities Commission of the USA or UK which can undertake the following:

Make a deprivation index by using the data from the socio-economic-based census of different communities and rank them to make policies specific to each deprived community.
Undertake an audit on performance of employers and educational institutions on non-discrimination and equal opportunity provided.
Issue codes of good practice in different sectors.

Connecting the dots:

Reviewing Reservations
‘ Creamy layer’ and exclusion from reservation
Andhra Pradesh Locals First Policy
Madhya Pradesh domicile based quota
Reservation is not a fundamental right

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The Great Indian Reservation System – Understanding its Past, Present and Solutions

From Current Affairs Notes for UPSC » Editorials & In-depths » This topic

The Supreme Court, while looking into the constitutional validity of the Maratha reservation, mentioned that it will examine whether the landmark 1992 judgement in Indra Sawhney v Union of India case requires to be revisited. The potential reconsideration of the 11-judge ruling, popularly known as the Mandal case, could change the structure of reservations that has been in existence for decades.

Disclaimer: This audio is owned by IAS EXPRESS.

This topic of “The Great Indian Reservation System – Understanding its Past, Present and Solutions” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination , which falls under General Studies Portion.

What is the reservation?

Reservation is the process of facilitating people in education, scholarship, jobs etc. that were faced with historical injustice.
Reservation is the form of quota-based affirmative action.
Reservation is governed by constitutional laws, statutory laws, and local rules and regulations.
Reservation system in India constitutes a number of initiatives like reserving access to seats in the legislatures, to government jobs and to enrolment in higher educational institutions.

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Why reservation?

The reservation is undertaken to resolve the historic oppression, inequality , and discrimination suffered by those communities and to give them a place.
It is meant to achieve the promise of equality enshrined in the constitution.
The main objective of the reservation system in India is to improve the social and educational status of underprivileged communities and thus improve their lives.

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What is the historical background?

The reservation system in India dates back to the 2 nd century B.C. where the upper class enjoyed some added privileges.
The idea of a caste-based reservation system was originally conceived by William Hunter and Jyotirao Phule in 1882.
This made a provision for separate electorates for Muslims, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans, and the Dalits.
The communal award was opposed by Mahatma Gandhi , whereas, B.R. Ambedkar supported it.
To address the situation, Poona Pact was signed. According to this, the country would have a single Hindu electorate, with seats reserved for Dalits.
In the 1990s, the recommendations of the Mandal Commission were implemented in government jobs. (Click here to refer Fundamental rights mind map).

What are the constitutional provisions related to the reservation?

Reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in federal and state legislatures.
The constitutional authority of the President to set up commissions to assess and suggest remedies for the welfare of SC and ST sections.
Article 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution – extends benefits of reservation to socially and educationally backward classes.

Why reservation demand has been growing rapidly?

Agriculture crisis : The Jats in Haryana, Patels in Gujarat and Kapus in Andhra Pradesh believe that reservations provide a solution to the rural distress faced by them especially the crisis in agriculture.
Unemployment : is also one of the major factors influencing the demand for reservation.
Privilege: The agitation for reservation also arises from the fear of losing privilege and the inability to cope with change.
Salaries and Wages: Wages in the private sector are much lower than in the public sector. Salaries of government jobs are most attractive at the entry-level.
Demands of Upper castes: Previously advantaged castes like Brahmins, Chettiars, and Rajputs have begun to feel severely disadvantaged as they don’t get any quotas even if they are economically disadvantaged. Thus they want to integrate the economically disadvantaged groups among them in the reserved category.

What are the arguments in favour of reservation?

Historical injustice: Caste based reservation is a necessity in India because of historical negligence and injustice caused to those backward communities.
Level Playing field: Reservation provides a level playing field as it is difficult for the backward sections who were historically deprived of education, skills, and economic mobility to suddenly start competing with those who had access to those means for centuries.
Meritocracy Vs Equality: Meritocracy is important, however, it will have no meaning without equality. The caste-based reservation also minimized the gap between upper and lower castes to a great extent.
Administration quality: A study revealed that reservations have not affected the efficiency of administration, but enhanced quality. The best example is the Indian Railways in which the SC/ST employees comprise more in number, and the results have been better.

What are the arguments against reservation?

The majority of lower castes have stepped up the social ladder and are now on an equal status compared to the general population. Hence, there is no need for reservation anymore.
A reservation only provides a limited and short-term solution to the historical injustice issues.
Reservation is obviously a tool to address social and educational backwardness, however, it does not have solutions for all social and economic ailments. There are much better and innovative ways to solve those issues. However, reservation prevents the leadership to come up with viable solutions.
As the reservation grows larger, it becomes a mechanism of exclusion rather than of inclusion. Because, nowadays, the previously advantaged communities have becoming disadvantaged to a large extent due to the reservation conundrum. Many upper castes are still plagued by poverty and illiteracy. Why equality and justice don’t work for them?
Reservation brings down the economic growth rate of the country as it reduces the efficiency of its labour.
Reservation agitations may cause social unrest as it was at the time of the Mandal Commission (1990).

What are the concerns/challenges in the reservation system?

Castes that should be actually benefitted are not being benefitted, instead, others are reaping the benefits of the reservation system.
The reservation system has just become an instrument for politicians to gain vote banks.
Agitation for reservation resulted in several deaths, affected transport and the loss of many working days in schools and workplaces. Example- Jat agitation in Haryana.
One community after another will start demanding reservations due to the success of others. Many of these communities are politically and economically sound and hence placing the whole community in the reservation system is unethical.

What is the Court’s stand on the reservation?

In Indira Sawhney Judgement 1992, the Supreme Court declared that the total reservation for SC/ST and other backward classes or special categories should not exceed 50%. Therefore the decision by the Maharashtra government after passing the law is likely to be challenged before the court.
In 2014, the then Maharashtra government had granted 16% reservation for the Marathas. But the reservation was stayed by the Bombay High Court.
In 2017, the Supreme Court had said quota in jobs and education in Rajasthan has exceeded the 50% limit and it cannot be increased further.
Moreover, the petition challenging the Tamil Nadu reservation policy is pending before the Supreme Court.

What are the solutions?

Reservations based on caste and not on the basis of the economic condition are unethical and unacceptable.
Fair and just reservations should be provided to uplift the people with poor conditions of life, those who don’t have meals to eat, clothes to wear, and no home to live in.
They shall be made on the basis of factors such as gender (as women are more disadvantaged than men since primitive times), domicile, family education, family employment, family property, family income and if any disabilities and traumas.
The process of the reservation should be such that it filters the truly economically deprived individuals and bring them all to justice.
Provide an opportunity for students to earn while they study.
Bring about revolutionary changes in our education system at the grass-roots level to improve education quality. Because reservation at subsequent stage will never be of any use if quality education hasn’t been provided to children at the primary stage.

Thus reservations are the exact opposite of development and equality. We don’t require reservations based on castes or religion but only to actually provide support to those who have fewer resources, and merit should be provided equal and due importance in admission procedures as well employment opportunities. This way we would be successful in eliminating caste discrimination and unite the economically rich together in supporting the economically poor, regardless of their castes. As Justice Ravindran in the Ashok Kumar Thakur vs Union of India case rightly said, “when more people aspire for backwardness rather than of forwardness, the country itself stagnates”.

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Good attempt. Better track a record of SC shaping Law pertaining to Reservation in higher education u/15 (4). Progress be compartmentalize in SC judgements in a slot of every 20 years. Give readers citations only. From Champkam Dorairajan till latest. However, appreciate your excellent narration.

good ! and there were more info’s about the reservation!

Very nice article, crisp and powerful, included all possible areas and provisions. Thank you

reservation boon or bane

Wow ! what an eye opening essay about reservation and the attempt to highlight the flaws of reservation are fantastic . Yes we need Reservations based on financial status of people not on the basis of caste

Most SCs (99%) will also qualify for the reservation under financial status.

May all of the new generation read this article so that they can introduce a change into our society…

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Essay on Reservation in India

June 23, 2019

Reservation is the most debated topic in the country. A large number of people favor it. Reservation is not the topic of today, it was introduced by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar while drafting the constitution of India. His intention was to empower the weaker sections of society and to uplift the unprivileged sections of society in many aspects. He also put a time limit of 8 years for this, but unfortunately as the political involvement in the amendment of constitution started it is been continued even today. Reservation must be there in Higher education, but it should be done in a way that is convincing to majority of the society

In today’s society it is the reservation which is the main reason for differences in our society. Even in the minority sections also there are people with good income source. If the reservation benefits these people also, then there is no meaning of having it in our society.

Many laws, rules and regulations have been enacted to protect rights and privileges of women in India. Indian Constitution is full of Acts, which ensure equality of women and protect them against discrimination and gender bias but ours is still a male dominated society. Woman reservation is good for development of the society. Unlike earlier days, they stay at home and do some kitchen stuff. These days woman are equally competent and earns equal to that of man. So, woman reservation would definitely help for social development.

Reservation based on caste, creed, minority etc, should be abolished from the system rather reservation in higher education should be made based on the income is the way out for the overall development of the society thus giving chance to the most deserving candidate. Thus ensuring people of different castes and religions respect each other.

Reservation is a system that was introduced by the government of India to provide a better opportunities to the poor and the qualified students in the country. This decision was taken by the President of India Dr.B.R.Ambedkar and this brought some revolutionary changes in the country.

According to me, the constitution is secular and open for everyone such that anyone can share his views but due to this reservation the country was benefited and simultaneously making everyone to loose their hope on government jobs. Actually, The constitution made this amendment only for 10 years, but due to political pressure they are continuing still now. Due to this , competition was increasing for every job and many people are becoming unemployed. They are still fighting for but they came up with their mind that do not interfere with reservation because the people are still believing that the scheduled castes and tribes need reservation. Though the government is providing many schemes and benefits to them I don’t find any meaning in providing the reservation. The greedy politicians are utilizing their votes by mentioning their caste and still pushing reservation forward. The politicians are benefited from the reservation but not the public. They only fight for their power and do not consider our problems. Reservation but encouraged, I agree but it is not done in a perfect way. The public must feel that reservation must be a option but not a platform for everyone. Government should also make sure that every citizen in this country get a equal chance with others.

I conclude that, reservation should be continued but it should be for only talented people such that everyone will be benefited and justice will be provided. Government should take an initiation of this process.Reservation should be an option but not a opportunity.

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Reservation System in India Essay (977 Words)

December 28, 2017 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

Constitution of India guarantees under article 16, equality of opportunity to all its citizens. And, to realize this promise enshrined in the constitution, a set of ‘affirmative actions’ that is, policies of reservation were initiated long back by the government, to ensure ‘inclusive growth’ of the country and society as well.

These actions were intended to address and compensate for the historic oppression, inequality and discrimination faced by the members of downtrodden sections of society; Scheduled Casts (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), who were left far behind in the development both socially and economically, resulting out of prevalent caste system in the society.

Table of Contents

Scope of reservation in India

Originally, the constitution of India provided for reservation to the SCs and STs only, but over the years, this category of reservation has been expanded, to accommodate more such communities, like Other Backward Castes (OBC) under which some sections of Muslim population are also covered, to ensure more level playing field.

The government has provided reservation to these sections by way of reserving a prescribed number of seats in government jobs, weather in states or at the center, besides reserving seats in all educational institutions, weather private or public, except in the linguistic/religious minority educational institutions.

The policy of reservation is also extended up to the representation in the parliament of India, to ensure sufficient representation to hitherto unrepresented or underrepresented classes of society. While article 330 provides for reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha, representation to anglo-indian community in the same has been ensured under article 331.

Additionally, to examine and subsequently enhance the reservation quota, governments at the centre post-independence, have constituted various commissions and committees.

Some of the important of them being;

Kelkar commission of 1953, constituted to assess the situation of socially and educationally backward classes; OBC
Mandal commission of 1979, constituted for the same purpose as above, commission recommended increment of quota up to 50%, which was implemented by V. P. Singh government later on, fuelling nationwide agitations against it.
Sachar committee of 2003, headed by Justice Rajinder Sachar, constituted to assess socio-economic and educational status of Muslim community in India.

Reservation in the present context

Initially, the constitution laid down 12.5% and 5% quota of seats to be reserved in government-aided educational institutes, and job vacancies in the government/public sector for the candidates of SC and ST respectively, for a period of five years, after which it has to be reviewed thoroughly before further extension. This scheme was subsequently enhanced in 1970 to 15% for SC and 7.5% for ST.

As a result, the subsequent governments and the parliament of India have been routinely extending its duration and quota, without any fair revision of this scheme.

Only after the Supreme Court of India’s ruling, in the famous Mandal Commission case, 1992, that total quota of reservation should not exceed 50%, and the CREAMY LAYER should be excluded from this list of reservation, the percentage of quota has been fixed since then.

But still, some of the state governments keep on playing with quota percentage rules, by way of enacting laws to nullify this ruling of the Supreme Court, and placing them under Ninth Schedule of the constitution to protect it from judicial review. Like, the Tamil Nadu Reservation Act, 1994, provided for 69% reservation in the state, and Rajasthan, which proposed 68% reservation.

Furthermore, there have been constant demands from various sections of societies too, favoring their inclusion in OBC quota, most recent of them being, the Jat agitation in Haryana and Rajasthan and Patidar movement in Gujarat.

Politics of Reservation: Good or Bad

After the initial allotment of reservation quotas in education and jobs during 1950’s, subsequent governments, suffering from politics of vote bank and appeasement, kept on finding ways to increase the percentage and scope of reservation without even assessing its results, weather good or bad, till date.

This tendency in Indian politics has done more harm than good, to the rich social and cultural fabric of our society. This shouldn’t be implied as if the scheme of reservation is bad in toto.

But, before extending its implementation again and again, a thorough revision and brainstorming considering the results achieved so far, is highly anticipated.

For this to happen, our policymakers and bureaucrats needs in-depth and substantial discussions and debates over the sensitive and far-reaching topics involved; merit, motivation as well as equality in the society and opportunity.

The issue of reservation, ever since it came into existence, has remained a cause of disagreement among reserved and un-reserved sections of society.

Where on the one hand, un-reserved sections keep on opposing it on the strong basis that it tend to compromise merit, and discouraging the talented from striving towards excellence in fields of profession and education both; on the other hand the most neediest from among the reserved segments are hardly aware, till date, of the very existence of such provisions, and how to get benefited from them.

On the contrary, the creamy layer in these segments is enjoying the privileges provided within. And, political factions are supporting them to strengthen their vote bank.

Reservation policy, as long as it is used for the elevation of downtrodden by way of positive discrimination, is good. But, when it tends to ensure privileges for some at the cost of others for short-lived narrow political ends, as it is in the present time, it becomes a matter of serious concern.

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An Analysis of Reservation System in India

This article described history and present status of reservation system in India. In 1901, reservations were introduced in Maharashtra (in the Princely State of Kolhapur) by Shahu Maharaj. Chatrapati Sahuji Maharaj, He provided free education to everyone and opened several hostels in Kolhapur to make it easier for everyone to receive the education. He also made sure everyone got suitable employment no matter what social class they belonged. He also appealed for a class-free India and the abolition of untouchability. The explicit purpose of the reservation policy was and is to promote social, economic, and political equality for Scheduled caste, tribal peoples, and other lower castes peoples, (i.e. OBCs (Other Backward Communities) through positive or compensatory discrimination. By this policy, the leaders of independent India declared their determination to eradicate inequalities. The Indian government has appointment various commissions for measurement quota system. The researcher explained towards this study Indian constitutions provision for reservation, merits and demerits and impact of reservation system in India. The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, defines the nation as a ‘Democratic Republic’ which ensures that All citizens are equal before law, free from discrimination on grounds of caste, creed, religion, sex, place of birth, and equality of opportunity in education and public appointments. The Constitution also specifically abolishes untouchability. This study the researcher collected secondary data from different Journals, books, etc and give the details on references.

Related Papers

Dr. Md Altamash Imam

The reservation system is an affirmative action that addresses historical and social inequalities marginalized communities face. The reservation policy in India was introduced after independence to promote social justice and upliftment of historically disadvantaged groups such as the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. The Indian Constitution provides for reservation in education, employment, and political representation. The reservation policy has been a subject of debate and controversy in India. While some argue that correcting historical injustices is necessary, others believe it is discriminatory and hinders merit-based selection. This research paper provides an overview of the reservation policy in India, examining the constitutional provisions that underpin this contentious issue. Through a comprehensive analysis of the historical and legal context, the study aims to shed light on the origins, implementation, and impact of reservation policy in India. By highlighting the challenges and opportunities this policy presents, the study seeks to contribute to the ongoing debate on affirmative action and social justice in India. Ultimately, this research paper offers a nuanced and insightful perspective on one of India's most complex and enduring issues.

Economies and Politics Weekly

jai prakash Yadav

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the reservation system in India, exploring its historical evolution and the key judicial judgments that have shaped it. It begins by emphasizing the constitutional commitment to securing social, economic, and political justice for marginalized communities. The historical context is then discussed, focusing on the early 20th-century dissatisfaction among non-Brahmins and the formation of the Justice Party to challenge Brahmin dominance. The Justice Party's success in securing reservations for non-Brahmins is highlighted, as well as the subsequent shifts in the Congress party's stance on reservations. The article delves into the Champakam Dorairajan case, which challenged caste-based reservations, and the subsequent constitutional amendments that introduced economic criteria into reservations. It discusses various Supreme Court cases that clarified reservation percentages, the concept of the "creamy layer," and the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced economic criteria in reservations. The conclusion emphasizes the challenges of maintaining a balance in reservation policies, ensuring that opportunities are provided to genuinely backward individuals while preventing misuse. The article acknowledges the social tensions that have arisen from reservations and calls for careful calibration to achieve social harmony and inclusive development. The reservation system in India is presented as a critical tool in addressing historical inequalities while fostering equitable access to education and employment opportunities.

Iasir Journals

IOSR Journals

The varna or caste system has been imbibed in Indian culture since time immemorial. Hindu society is divided into four Varna, or classes, a convention which had its origins in the Rig Veda, the first and most important set of hymns in Hindu scripture which dates back to 1500-1000 B.C. 1 At the top of the hierarchy are the Brahmins, or priests, followed by the Kshatriyas, or warriors. The Vaisyas, the farmers and artisans, constitute the third class. At the bottom are the Shudras, the class responsible for serving the three higher groups. Finally, the Untouchables fall completely outside of this system. It is for this reason that the untouchables have also been termed a Varna (" no class "). The paper intends to highlight the conceptual development of reservation in colonial India.

Dr. Ajit Mondal

Reservation in common terms refers to an act of reserving, keeping back or withholding. According to the New Webster Dictionary, reservation means, "Keeping aside something for some specific purpose". Reservation is also termed as Affirmative action and fair discrimination. Reservation in India is a form of affirmative action designed to improve the well-being of the backward and under-represented communities defined primarily by their caste, gender, religion and economic condition that commenced with the coming into force of the Indian Constitution. It is about facilitating access of certain sections of the population to seats in the government jobs, educational institutions, and even legislatures. Reservation in India refers to a policy of reserving certain percentage of seats for a certain class such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, etc. in Government educational institutions, government jobs, etc. Reservation in India is a system of affirmative action that provides representation for historically and currently disadvantaged groups in Indian society in education, employment and politics. Reservation in India is a government policy, backed by the Indian Constitution. The Articles 15 and 16 of the Indian Constitution allow the Indian Government to set quotas to ensure any "socially and educationally backward classes of citizens" is properly represented in public life. In India Reservation is provided to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections at the rate of 15 per cent, 7.5 per cent and 27 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. Reservation is the process of facilitating people in education, scholarship, and jobs etc. that were faced with historical injustice. The 'reservation policy' is operative in three main spheres, namely appointment and promotion in government services, admissions to public educational institutions, and seats in Central, State and local legislatures. The current percentage of reservation of different social categories in employment and other sectors:ST 7.5%, SC 15%, OBC27%, EPW 10% and Differently-abled 4%.

Raj Upadhyay

Neha Bareth

Abstract:- A true democracy is recognized when all people have the same ability to make the decisions regarding the government. In this view the theme of reservations is adopted to bring this equality in thought and goal. "If some members are too advanced socially, the link between them and the rest of the class is needed. That’s way preamble of our constitution contains the phrase: “Justice – as social economic and political”. For this reason reservation policy is an exception to the equality rule it is still considered a key element of equality. As equality has many dimensions and one such dimension is the reservation policy for the backward classes and to achieve the equality of status and of opportunity for this reservation considered necessary. Thus, reservation may be a means to achieve equality but if it not administered properly, it can also achieve inequality. I would start my paper by pointing out the historical reasons for giving reservation and this paper looks at some of the more important chronological, constitutional and lawful moments in the development of a reservations procedure in India. Keywords: Equality, Reservation, Discrimination, Economically and Socially Backward classes, Creamy layer Reasonable and fair manner.

ASIAN JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC STUDIES

Shivam Kaushik

This Article endeavors to analyze and do a comprehensive study of the reservation policy of India as mandated by Article 15 and 16 of the Indian Constitution. The study attempts to trace the course of reservation policies since the Independence and how it has become a political tool in the hands of different governments to forward their political interests. The article evaluates ‘cast’ as a criteria employed by state to determine ‘backward classes’ on the touchstone of reasonableness and fairness. The article mainly deals with the issue in two steps. Firstly, by doing a critical analysis of Mandal Commission report and subsequent Indra Swahney case, secondly, by focusing on the transforming view of the Apex Court in different cases overtime and the conflicting opinions of different benches. This is done by an in-depth analysis of important pronouncements in this regard. In the research the author highlights the views of eminent jurists and also incorporates his own view regarding the widely politicized issue.

International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences

Soma Mandal

Reservations in India, specifically, in the context of social and educational backward classes (SEBC) have been undergoing constitutional setbacks in recent years. The increasing politicization and subsequent echoes of scraping down reservations in appointments and promotions to SC, and STs, sporadic discontinuation of fellowships for socially backward students, absence of accurate data on backlog vacancies, reserved positions vacant in employment, and finally, in most cases under-representation in the 49.5-50 per cent quota out of which 15 per cent for SCs, 7.5 per cent to STs and 27 per cent to OBCs that have been earmarked, lays bare the institutional breach in the promise of social justice. Reservation in this context, calls for a renewed perspective on how and why it not only suffers alienation and conflicts from within the minority sections it so represents but increasingly projects out as exclusive and exclusionary a category to the majority. The paper attempts to project the double bind within which reservation attempts to articulate the voice of the non-represented. The paper further draws in the recent judicial judgment of the Uttarakhand High Court in matters of promotion, which arguably bear out contradictory responses to the reservation, analyzing in the process a decadal shift in the substantive power of reservation that is being increasingly understood to be a threat to the majoritarian class and caste interests.

RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

Reservation, as a significant policy, has been employed to address historical inequalities and uplift marginalised communities. This paper explores the relationship between reservation policies and social justice in India. It examines the theoretical concepts of social justice and analyses the Indian Constitution's approach to equality and affirmative action. It also delves into the role of reservation as a tool for achieving social justice. The study examines how the Indian Constitution adopts a multifaceted approach to social justice. The study argues that reservation policies play a crucial role in achieving social justice by rectifying historical discrimination.

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Course: US history > Unit 6

The Gold Rush
The Homestead Act and the exodusters

The reservation system

The Dawes Act
Chinese immigrants and Mexican Americans in the age of westward expansion
The Indian Wars and the Battle of the Little Bighorn
The Ghost Dance and Wounded Knee
Westward expansion: economic development
Westward expansion: social and cultural development
The American West
The Indian reservation system was created to keep Native Americans off of lands that European Americans wished to settle.
The reservation system allowed indigenous people to govern themselves and to maintain some of their cultural and social traditions.
The Dawes Act of 1887 destroyed the reservation system by subdividing tribal lands into individual plots.

From removal to the reservation

On the reservation, the destruction and resurrection of the reservation system, what do you think.

See Ned Blackhawk, Violence over the Land: Indians and Empires in the Early American West (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2006).
Donald L. Fixico, Bureau of Indian Affairs (Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood, 2012), 25.
For more, see Patricia Nelson Limerick, The Legacy of Conquest: The Unbroken Past of the American West (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1988).
For more on the Indian Wars, see Peter Cozzens, The Earth is Weeping: The Epic Story of the Indian Wars for the American West (New York: Knopf, 2016).
See Robert J. Miller, Reservation “Capitalism”: Economic Development in Indian Country (Lincoln, NE: Bison Books, 2013), and Klaus Frantz, Indian Reservations in the United States (Illinois: University of Chicago Press, 1999).
For more, see C. Joseph Genetin-Pilawa, Crooked Paths to Allotment: The Fight over Federal Indian Policy after the Civil War (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2012).
For more on the Dawes Act, see D.S. Otis, The Dawes Act and the Allotment of Indian Lands (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1973).
See Graham D. Taylor, The New Deal and American Indian Tribalism: The Administration of the Indian Reorganization Act, 1934-45 (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1980).

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Healthcare System on Indian Reservations Essay

Executive summary, introduction, general status of the native americans, indian health care system, indian health care system versus the white health care system, reasons for the disparity, works cited.

Indian reservations are designated areas for the Native Americans (Indian American and Alaska Natives). The areas were designated through an executive order after the natives surrendered their lands and this entitled them to free health care service under the Indian Health Care system.

The Indian Healthcare System has been facing a major challenge and that is chronic underfunding. This health care system has been underfunded for a long time that even if the government was to increase the budget it cannot adequately address the healthcare needs of the Indian Americans. The chronic underfunding has not only made health care service under this system inaccessible but also inadequate to the natives living on reservations.

This is a complete contrast to the federal health care system. Therefore, the U.S government must consider changing the mechanism of funding Indian Health Care System from a discretionary program to mandatory appropriation whose budget is reviewed annually.

American Indian reservations are designated land areas that are under the Native Americans (Castle and Robert 2). There are approximately Indian reservations in the U.S according to the U.S Department of Internal Affairs. This means that not all the 500 plus recognized tribes are under the reservation or share reservations (Frantz, 5).

Indian reservations were established in the early 1850s after the passing of the appropriation bill and the executive order which allowed for the creation of reservations for the Native Americans. The reservations were fronted as solutions to the brewing conflict between the natives and the settlers. The former were increasingly encroaching into the native’s territory (Castle and Robert 3).

The Indian reservation policy became contentious just from the beginning. These reservations were set up through an executive order which forced white settlers to surrender their lands and the natives forced into the reservation areas. The white settlers strongly opposed this policy (Frantz, 7).

On the other hand, numerous reports submitted to the U.S federal government revealed massive corruption among those who were in charge of resettling the Native Indians into the reservation areas. In addition, the relocated tribes were living in poor and deplorable conditions compared to the white settlers (Castle and Robert 3).

The reservations led to the increased alienation of Native Americans by the white settlers and other non-natives. The controversies surrounding India reservations have continued up to date and they encompass various aspects including socio-economic, cultural and environmental dimensions (Frantz, 8).

The quality of life within a number of these reservations is similar to developing economies. The infant mortality rate is high, life expectancy is low compared to the rest of the country, nutrition is poor, and the level of poverty is alarming. Some of the Indian reservations, for instance, South Dakota and Shannon County are among the poorest in the U.S (Frantz, 9).

Report Purpose

According to many studies in the U.S, the highest numbers of the poor are found in the urban slums dominated by African-Americans (also known as ghettos). The second highest numbers are found in the reservation areas predominantly occupied by the Indian Americans or the Native Americans. The infrastructure and social amenities in both the ghetto and reservation areas are arguably poor.

In addition, the mortality rate (especially infant mortality) is relatively high coupled with low life expectancy. These are mainly attributed to the healthcare system in these areas. The purpose of this study is to explore the health care system on Indian reservations and compare it with the healthcare system of white Americans.

The Native Americans here are the Indian Americans and Alaska Natives. About 1.5 percent of the total U.S population identifies themselves as having Native American heritage. Currently, most of these people live in urban, suburban or non-reservation countryside areas. Only a third lives in the reservation areas.

In the last three decades, most of the American Indians and Alaska Natives have migrated to metropolitan areas. The federal government recognizes about 564 American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. The native tribes have incredible cultural diversity and speak over 200 languages. (Graham 12).

Majority of the Indian Americans and Alaska Natives live in poverty. According to the statistics, more than twice as many American Indians and Alaska Natives live in poverty compared to the rest of the American population. In other words, the general level of poverty in the U.S is estimated to be about 12 percent.

On the other hand, the poor American Indians and Alaska Natives are approximately 26 percent of the total number of Native Americans (Graham 14). The life expectancy of Native Americans is also low. The life expectancy of the American Indian and Alaska Natives are 6 years lower than the average American. The mortality rate among infants is also high compared to the rest of the American population (Singer 5).

The two main links between the federal government and the Native Indians are the Department of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service. The Indian healthcare system is a wide organizational structure that encompasses services that are offered directly by the federal IHS, tribal programs, and metropolitan Indian clinics.

The Indian Health Care System is normally considered as prepaid because of the land surrendered by the tribes in 800 consented agreements and government executive orders. Therefore, Indians living in reservation areas are not supposed to be charged health care services (Graham 15).

The provision of healthcare for Native Americans falls under the federal trust responsibility of the U.S supreme law. The U.S constitution recognizes the government’s obligation to the Indian tribal governments or Indian Americans living on reservations.

Given the constitutional recognition of the state obligation to the tribal government, there has been mutual respect between the two governments and they are working together on a culturally sound health care system. However, the major deficiency of this system is the persistent underfunding of the state (Institute of Medicine 4).

Unlike other federal health care systems, the Indian Health Care System depends on discretional appropriations from the government budget. The funds are insufficient and can only meet 60 percent of the need. Approximately a quarter of the Indian Health Care System (IHS) clinical service budget originates from the Medicaid, whereas less than one percent of the Medicaid expenditure goes to the IHS (Graham 15).

Any individual who is an offspring of a Native American qualifies under this system. Slightly over 1.9 million Native Americans meet these requirements and about 1.65 million are regular users of the Indian Health Care System (US Census 3).

The Indian healthcare system is comprised of 50 hospitals, approximately 250 healthcare center, 5 referral hospitals, 300 health stations, and 34 metropolitan clinics, in addition to satellite clinics and community health center (US Census 3). Access to crucial, specialized, and emergency services and long term care are restricted by geographical factors and persistent underfunding.

Additional budget cuts may result in further rationing of the healthcare services in these hospitals. Given the fact that Indian Health Care Programs are comparatively ambiguous and are small in size, the consequences of the budget cuts have often gone unnoticed or ignored by the policymakers (Institute of Medicine 9).

Even though the federal government has always supported the Indian Healthcare System since the early 1850s, the health status of the Native Americans has continued to worsen compared to Average Americans.

This is attributed to chronic underfunding from the federal government, high level of poverty among the Native Americans, high illiteracy level, poor housing, and poor transport system. The most common ailments among the natives are obesity and diabetes. This is shocking since these diseases can be prevented or cured (Graham 17).

Most of the Non-native whites in the U.S have health insurance cover compared to the Indian Americans and Alaska Natives. According to the U.S. National Institute of Medicine, the uninsured Americans including the Native Americans can only access half of the medical care available to the insured whites.

The Indian Health Service is discretional and has a low budget. This means that it is inadequate (rationed) and inaccessible to the majority of Native Americans. On the other hand, the enormous budget is allocated to the white healthcare system because of their contribution.

The white healthcare system has adequate facilities and infrastructure. In addition, given the fact that most white non-native Americans are medically insured they have full access to health services in these facilities (Institute of Medicine 13).

Civil rights activists view the low budgetary allocation and rationed health care services for the Native Americans as blatant discrimination (Institute of Medicine 13). The Civil Rights Commission’s 2004 report compared Indian Health Care System and Health Cares Systems including the Medicare, Medicaid, federal prisoners, and veteran healthcare service among others.

The report established the health care system for the Native Americans was far way below the federal medical programs. One of the shocking revelations on that report was the fact that the Indian Healthcare Service per capita appropriation in 2003 was half the amount of the federal per capita allocation of the federal prisoners (Institute of Medicine 6).

Another shocking revelation was the fact U.S government had spent billions of dollars to build more health facilities and to provide health care services in Iraq at the expense of doing the same for the Native Americans. Singer compares the healthcare facilities for American Natives living on reservations to those of third world countries (Singer 3).

He adds that the disparity of the Indian Healthcare System and the federal health care system reached a crisis level and the consequences to the American Natives are gross. The shocking disparity is evident in the health of the Native Americans and the White non-natives.

The American Indians are 720 percent of succumbing to alcohol-related causes than white Americans. They are also 650 percent and 420 percent more likely to succumb to tuberculosis and diabetes respectively than whites (Singer 9).

The Indian American population has a higher probability of contracting dental carries due to inaccessible dental care. In addition, the number of Indian Americans with Dental Caries is three times higher than the whites.

This statistic reveals the growing disparity between the White Healthcare system and India Health care system which is basically broken. Therefore, the U.S government faces major and intricate challenges in ensuring a world-class health care system for all (Singer 10).

U.S economists and medical experts argue that the solution to the disparity between the two medical systems goes beyond the budgetary allocation. They stress that there is no quick remedy for this problem since the factors that have caused the disparity are complex and interrelated.

Due to poverty, Indian Americans are less probable to have health insurance or a personal doctor, making regular visits less probable. Many of the individuals who don’t have health insurance in the U.S have no choice or power over the kind of medical service they receive. In addition, the poor living conditions facing most Indian Americans do expose them to many health hazards.

The current financial crisis facing the U.S and the rest of the world has limited the ability of the federal government to increase to improve its health care system. In addition, the growing population and increased cost of health care is also contributing to a huge gap between the required health care service and the available healthcare service (Devi 11).

However, the healthcare budget for the Indian Healthcare System has been growing at a slower rate than other federal healthcare budgets. Even with the Amendment of the Indian Health Care law in 1979, health care service for Indian Americans and Alaska Natives still remains substandard three decades later. Congress has failed to tremendously in enforcing the amendments (Institute of Medicine 12).

Human rights activists state that the disparity existing between the Indian Health Care system and the federal healthcare system violates the very American principle of justice and equity. Many Native Americans have lost their lives as a result of the broken health care system that keeps getting worse with time (Graham 17).

The U.S Congress has become so used to the chronic underfunding of the Indian Healthcare System to an extent that they are failing to recognize the consequences or the tragedy facing the Native Americans as a result of their actions. Some argue that the tragedy caused by these persistent budget cuts has grown so big that they are afraid of tackling them. Nonetheless, the U.S government can afford to renege on its responsibility (Devi 7).

The Indian Healthcare System was established in the early 1850s to cater for the Native Americans. Most of the Natives Americans live in poor conditions which are comparable to those that exist in developing economies. The Indian Health Care System is free of charge and is as a result of a treaty signed between the Natives and the federal government for surrendering their tribal land.

However, the problem with this system is that it has persistently been underfunded by the federal government. The chronic underfunding has led to inaccessible and inadequate health care services to the Natives. On the other hand, the Healthcare System for White Americans is the opposite of the Indian Health Care system.

They enjoy huge budgetary allocations and provide adequate medical care to all the patients. The disparity between the two systems is evident in the general health status of the Indian Americans and the Alaska Natives compared to the whites. The latter has a low life expectancy and a high mortality rate.

Castle, George P., and Robert L. Bee. State and Reservation: New Perspectives on Federal Indian Policy . Ed., Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 1992. Print.

Devi, Sridhar. Inequality in the United States Healthcare System , Oxford; UNDP, 2005. Print.

Frantz, Klaus. Indian Reservations in the United States , Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1999. Print.

Graham, Katherine. A National Roundtable on the Indian Health System and Medicaid Reforms, Washington, DC: Urban Institute, 2005. Print.

Institute of Medicine. Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care, Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2002. Print.

Singer, Michelle J. Health Care Disparities and the Native American Community, Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2005. Print.

US Census. American Indian, Alaska Native Tables from the Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2004‐2005 . PDF file. 02 Dec. 2012. www.census.gov/statab/www/sa04aian.pdf >.

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