This blog is into India's reservations for SC/ST/OBC, talking about policies, eligibility, and the transformative impact on education and employment opportunities, fostering social justice.
Introduction
Reservations are a positive action program in India that ensures historically marginalised communities participate in schools, jobs, and government. You Can Know about Reservations for SC/ST/OBC in India.
It empowers the union government and the provinces and territories of India to designate local quotas or places, which reduce the criteria required in exams, job vacancies, and other situations for “sociologically and academically disadvantaged persons,” based on clauses in the Indian constitution.
All four groups are given priority: scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes, and economically weaker sections, shortened as SC, ST, OBC, and EWS, respectively. Only SC and ST groups were initially eligible for reservations. After the Mandal official report was implemented in 1987, it was expanded and included OBCs. The reserve period for the economically backward section of the various posts was prolonged in 2019.
Caste Groups in India
There has been a caste system in India for a long time. It goes like this –
the Brahmins (those involved in priestly duties), the Kshatriyas (comprising rulers, administrators, and warriors, also known as Rajanyas), the Vaishyas (consisting of artisans, merchants, tradesmen, and farmers), and the Shudras (representing the labour classes). The caste system is now not followed in our country.
Scheduled Castes:
Formerly marginalised, engaged in occupations like farming, manual labour, and fishing. Subject to caste-based social restrictions, many now work as dispossessed labourers.
Scheduled Tribes:
Identified by primitive features, unique cultures, remoteness, and underdevelopment. Comprising Adivasis and nomadic groups, some faced exploitation during British rule, while others in the northeast thrive.
Other Backward Classes (OBCs):
As identified through the Mandal commission, 52% were deemed backwards based on socio-economic factors. Allowed reservation benefits through constitutional provisions. OBCs, initially low-caste, face economic challenges.
Dominant Tribes in OBC List:
A section called ‘Kurubas’ under OBC are a popular section of dominant tribes in the OBC list after Lingayats and Vokkaligas.
Inclusivity Beyond Hinduism:
OBCs, unlike scheduled castes, can be non-Hindus. Muslims and Christians also benefit from government provisions. The list’s flexibility makes it subject to frequent changes for political appeasement.
Schemes of Reservation
| Reservations in India | |
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
| Scheduled Caste | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities | 4% |
Government and public sector job hiring is categorised into reservations (SC, ST, OBC, EWC, and other minorities) and the open category. Priority is given to reservations, with 33% reserved for women.
In educational institutions, seats are allocated based on similar categories. Job advancement quotas, though initially challenged, were allowed to continue for five years. Constitutional amendments allow reserved openings as a separate group and promotion benefits for SC/ST applicants.
States
State reservation refers to the practice of allocating a certain percentage of opportunities, resources, or positions exclusively for individuals belonging to specific groups, often based on factors such as ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status.
The primary aim of state reservation is to address historical inequalities and promote social justice by ensuring equitable representation and access to opportunities for marginalised or underprivileged communities.
While proponents argue that it is a necessary step towards fostering inclusivity and diversity, critics raise concerns about potential drawbacks such as reverse discrimination and the need for a more meritocratic approach. Balancing the goals of affirmative action with the principles of fairness and equal opportunity remains a complex and debated issue in many societies.
| State | Scheduled Castes | Scheduled Tribes | Other Backward Classes | Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | Physically Handicapped | Ex-servicemen | Women |
| Andhra Pradesh | 15% | 6% | 27% | 10% (including 1/3 for women) | 3% (1% each) | 1% (0.5% in general category) | 33.33% (16.66% in general category) |
| Arunachal Pradesh | – | 80% | – | – | – | – | – |
| Assam | 7% | 15% | 27% | 10% | – | – | – |
| Bihar | 20% | 2% | 43% | 10% | – | – | – |
| Chhattisgarh | 16% | 20% | 14% | No provision | – | – | – |
| Delhi | 15% | 7% | 27% | – | – | – | – |
| Goa | 2% | 12% | 27% | 10% | 3% | 2% | 3% |
| Gujarat | 7% | 15% | 27% | 10% | – | – | 33% (general category women) |
| Haryana | 20% | – | 23% | 10% | 3% | 5% | – |
| Himachal Pradesh | 25% | 4% | 20% | 10% | – | – | – |
| Jharkhand | 10% | 26% | 14% | 10% | – | – | – |
| Maharashtra | 13% | 7% | 19% | 10% | – | – | – |
| Uttarakhand | 19% | 4% | 14% | 10% | – | – | 30% (horizontal reservation to women) |
Disclaimer: The percentages mentioned above are based on varied resources and may be subject to change soon.
Conclusion
In India, the government has introduced caste reservations to bridge historical inequalities. The provided link leads to an online application for a Caste Certificate, a key document for accessing reserved opportunities in education and employment for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
The blog aims to inform readers about these reservations, highlighting the government’s commitment to creating a fair and inclusive society by ensuring that citizens from all backgrounds have equal access to various benefits and opportunities. By simplifying the complexities of these policies, the blog seeks to foster understanding and discussions on the importance of affirmative action for social justice in India.
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