Examining the Impact of Economic and Social Backwardness on Reservation Criteria

Dongsey Moriju

Banaras Hindu University

ABSTRACT

Since its initiation, reservation in India has been a matter of confrontational debates, legal battles, strikes, and political maneuvering. The reservation system was established as an instrument of undoing historical injustice and social iniquities, especially for communities that have faced caste isolation and discrimination for centuries.  But in recent decades the standard for extending reservations – which were mostly based on caste-induced social backwardness – has faced examination. Without suggesting we abandon all these initiatives, critics would advocate turning more toward economic criteria to tackle the modern issue of inequality more effectively.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT: SOCIAL BACKWARDNESS

Social backwardness in India is intricately based on the caste system,  a hierarchical social structure that historically marginalized certain communities, especially Scheduled Castes(SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

There was caste-based discrimination in traditional  Indian society as caste-determined professions, individual status, social interactions, etc. Due to this, educational disparities arose as socially backward classes were not allowed to read or write, resulting in the perpetuation of the poverty Cycle.

Furthermore, socially backward classes have long been subjected to stigma and exclusion impeding their integration into mainstream society.

In 1950, the Indian constitution committed to reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes(ST) under Articles 15 (4),15(5), and 16 (4). These measures were founded on the principles of deprivation and rectification, aiming to uplift marginalized groups and provide better opportunities in education and employment. The first amendment in the constitution to legalized caste–based reservation in the face of court cases against quota came in 1951.

Later, it was expanded by the Mandal Commission (1979), which was headed by B.P Mandal to define the criteria for identifying  ‘socially and educationally backward classes’.It submitted its report in 1980, stating that 52% of the county population comprised other backward classes(OBC), therefore,27% of government jobs should be reserved for them.

However,  over the years as India evolved from an agrarian economy to one driven by industries and services, the landscape of inequality shifted. Economic disparities cutting across caste lines, became more pronounced, prompting calls for rethinking the reservation system.

THE CASE OF ECONOMIC BACKWARDNESS

Though caste-based reservation has provided some benefits to some large population groups, there is also an argument against it. Poverty and unavailability of resources are not limited to any particular caste or group but cut across caste lines. This reality has led to calls to base reservation policies on an economic criterion, with supporters arguing poverty is a more universal marker of disadvantage in comparison to caste.

A pivotal shift occurred when the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation was introduced in 2019. Reservation benefits were given for the first time to economically weaker sections in the Hindu [unreserved] community without counting caste as the only criterion. The 10% reservation for EWS introduced economic backwardness into the policy framework, albeit within a limited scope. 

SOCIAL BACKWARDNESS:   WHY IT STILL MATTERS

Even if economic inequality cuts across caste lines, social backwardness is still a key component of systematic disadvantage. The caste system serves not just as a social construct but is also a well-established economic and political reality.

1. Historical Discrimination: For millennia, marginalized communities have been excluded, resulting in poverty that persists over generations. Adivasis and Dalits were excluded from land and education, which made They are Unprepared to participate in contemporary economic systems.

2. Discrimination Based on Caste: Caste-based discrimination still exists today in several ways, ranging from prejudice in the job to social isolation. The impact of this prejudice on upward mobility is independent of an individual’s financial situation. For instance, a wealthy Dalit may still face caste-based prejudice, limiting their opportunities.

3. Social and Economic Disadvantage Intersectionality: Economic difficulties are frequently made worse by social backwardness. Economic disadvantage is maintained when a person from a lower caste faces more difficulties in their pursuit of jobs, healthcare, and education. 

ECONOMIC BACKWARDNESS: A GROWING CONCERN

Although caste-based reservations have significantly uplifted oppressed communities, there still exist some challenges.

1. Over-Inclusiveness: Benefits tend to go to the relatively better off in backward communities, leaving the worst off out.

2. Excluding Underprivileged of Higher Varna: Those from unreserved caste categories who ranked lower in economic social status are not covered despite their need.

3. Caste Identity Perpetuation In Caste-Based Judgement: The extent of the use of caste for the social structuring of society reinforces the boundaries of caste rather than combining people into a common social structure.

4. Lack of Attention to Regional Imbalances: SNQ means social and economic backwardness is not the same everywhere; the common reservation framework is unable to adapt to local realities.

RETHINKING THE CRITERIA FOR RESERVATION

A balanced approach, taking into consideration both social and economic backwardness is the need of the hour for a more equitable reservation system. Potential strategies include:

1. Caste + Economic Hybrid Model: A blending of caste-based reservations with economic filters, so the most disadvantaged within each group benefit.

2. Periodic Review: The reservation framework needs to be reviewed periodically so that changes in socio-economic reality are taken care of and do not lead to stagnation.

3. Regional Adaptation: Permit states to customize reservation policies according to local socio-economic conditions.

4. Prioritize Education and Skills Development to Further Empower Privileged Sections With Better Quality Education and Skill Development Training, Quotads Should Follow.

5. Transparent Implementation: Mechanisms for the identification of eligible beneficiaries and to prevent misuse of reservations should be strengthened.

CONCLUSION

The discussion of the relative relevance of social and economic backwardness concerning the reservation policy represents the changing framework of disadvantage and exclusion in understanding the Indian context. Although social backwardness is an important criterion, as caste-based discrimination is deeply ingrained, economic backwardness is no less of a concern in a rapidly changing socio-economic context.

The policymaking approach has to be inclusive, one that doesn’t see social and economic backwardness as competing with work. Thinking about caste and class, along with many other dimensions w will help India to get a reservation policy that is not just fairer but also a better representation of the realities in its people’s lives. Reservation, fundamentally, should be about enabling a level playing field and a solution that guarantees that each individual, regardless of their social or economic background, has the opportunity to realize their potential.

REFERENCES

1.https://www.drishtiias.com › reserve…Reservation in India

2.https://sleepyclasses.com/understanding-the-origins-of-the-reservation-system-in-india/