India has a diversified population that is split up according to caste, religion, and ethnicity. Reservations in educational settings and government employment are a topic that has been discussed for many years. Reservations are a type of affirmative action used to give historically underrepresented groups chances. Reducing social injustice and advancing social justice are the goals of reservations. However, there is a great deal of debate concerning reservations in India. This essay's focus is on the constitutional viability of racial discrimination in public employment and educational institutions.

India's policy on reservations

In India, the Constitution of India's initial introduction of the reservation provision was in 1950. Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are among the socially and educationally disadvantaged classes of individuals who are eligible for special provisions under Article 15(4) of the Constitution. Similar to this, Article 16(4) outlines accommodations for various groups in public employment.

To lessen social inequality and advance social justice, the reserve policy aimed to give chances to historically underrepresented groups. When these groups attained parity with the rest of society, the policy was intended to be a short-term solution that would be gradually eliminated. But despite the fact that the policy has been in effect for more than 70 years, there is no sign of it coming to an end.

India's reservation laws have changed over the years in a number of ways. OBCs, who make up a sizable section of the population, should be given reservations, the Mandal Commission suggested in 1990. When the recommendations were put into practice in 1992, OBCs received a 27% reservation in public employment and educational institutions.

Reasons to Support Reservations

There are many justifications for reservations in public jobs and educational institutions. The basic claim is that in order to advance social fairness and lessen social inequality, reservations are required. Historical underprivileged groups including SCs, STs, and OBCs have long endured prejudice and repression. They can compete with the rest of society on reservations because they have an equal playing field.

The fact that reservations contribute to the development of a varied and inclusive society is another argument in their favor. Many times, one group predominates in companies and educational institutions. Reservations aid in removing these obstacles and fostering an inclusive environment. A more productive and innovative society results from this.

In order to ensure that historically marginalized groups are represented in positions of power, reservations are also important. These groups would be without a doubt disregarded in the decision-making process and their opinions would not be taken into consideration. The cycle of prejudice and oppression would be continued in this way.

Rebuttals to Reservations

Additionally, there are several justifications against racial discrimination in public jobs and educational institutions. The basic defense of reservations is that they are unfair and go against the meritocracy ideal. The concept of meritocracy holds that people should be rewarded on their accomplishments and abilities rather than their social background. However, reservations priorities particular groups based on their social backgrounds rather than their skills and accomplishments.

The fact that reservations cause division and promote social fracturing is another argument against them. Reservations foster an "us versus them" mentality and may cause hostility between various communities. Violence and societal instability may follow as a result.

The last criticism of reservations is that they are a type of political appeasement. Rather than using reservations to advance social justice, politicians frequently exploit them to win over historically underrepresented communities. As a result, many people believe that reserves are merely a vote-bank strategy rather than an actual effort to combat social disparity.

Reservations' Constitutional Validity

The topic of whether reservations are constitutionally valid is one that has been hotly contested for many years. Reservations are viewed, on the one hand, as an essential step in addressing structural and historical injustices that have marginalized specific populations. Reservations, on the other hand, are criticized as discriminatory and a violation of the fundamental right to equality contained in the Constitution.

Reservations are made for historically oppressed groups, such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, under the Indian Constitution. These reserves are meant to end the historical marginalization and prejudice that these communities have experienced and to make sure that they have access to political representation, jobs, and education.

The Supreme Court has repeatedly supported the validity of reservations as a necessary mechanism to remedy historical injustices despite challenges to their constitutionality in various courts. The court has, however, also set some restrictions on the scope and duration of reservations and requested regular reviews and reevaluations of their efficacy.

Reservations are criticized for fostering a culture of entitlement and dependence as well as for encouraging retaliatory discrimination against other populations. However, proponents of reservations contend that they are a vital step in redressing historical wrongs and a successful strategy for advancing equality and social justice.

In conclusion, the question of whether reservations are constitutionally legitimate is complicated and subtle, and there are strong cases for both sides of the argument. While the constitutionality and necessity of reservations have been affirmed, it is nevertheless crucial to periodically review and assess their efficacy to make sure they do not support discrimination or foster new kinds of inequality. The ultimate objective should be to establish a society that is genuinely just and equitable and that offers all of its member's equal opportunity, regardless of their upbringing or social standing.

Written By: Kshitiz Kumar, Shri Jainarayan Mishra P.G. College (University of Lucknow)
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