Is Reservation a Good Way to Make Society More Egalitarian?

Equality is a multifaceted concept that varies in its application in public and private sectors. A public undertaking is designed to provide equal opportunities to all citizens, ensuring that every individual has the chance to succeed. Conversely, a private undertaking is driven by the imperative to grow and succeed, which does not necessarily mandate equal treatment or opportunities for all.

Does Inequality Exist in India?

The question of whether India is a land of equality is often met with a resounding 'No.' Given this context, the rest of the discussion is pertinent and insightful. India is a vast land with diverse social, political, educational, and economic disparities.

Types of Inequalities in India

The predominant types of inequalities in India include social, political, educational, and economic. These inequalities impact the life of an individual, affecting their opportunities, freedom, and overall well-being.

How Do We Promote Equality?

Promoting equality in India requires ensuring that everyone is given equal access to resources. However, within a capitalist model, achieving economic equality for all is a complex and often nascent goal. It’s important to recognize that economic progress alone may not be sufficient to bridge the gap in social and educational inequality.

Why Does Reservation Exist?

Reservation, as stipulated in the Indian Constitution, aims to reduce social and educational backwardness. However, the Constitution does not mention reservation based on economic backwardness. This distinction is crucial as it highlights the focus on social and educational equity rather than economic.

Why Social and Educational Backwardness Alone?

Humans are inherently social beings. We strive for equal social status and treatment within society. While economic advancement may lead to social improvement, it is not universal or significantly applicable in many parts of rural India. Social status is often determined by the caste one is born into, a factor that continues to perpetuate social and educational disparities.

What Hinders Social and Educational Equality?

The primary hindrance to social and educational equality in India is caste-based discrimination. Upper castes often dominate and hinder the growth of lower castes by denying them fair and equal access to life and livelihood. This can be illustrated through various instances:

Schools where students are segregated based on their caste groups. Incidents where dominant castes impose economic and social blockades if lower and upper caste students sit together. Upper caste students boycotting mid-day meals cooked by lower caste cooks. Students avoiding interaction in places dominated by upper castes. Upper caste processions being allowed in their villages but denied to lower castes. Upper caste recommendations for jobs over equally qualified lower caste candidates. Honor killings of inter-caste marriages. Lower castes being restricted to menial jobs and denied other professions. Purity and pollution concepts practiced in various ways, such as immediate post-cut hair baths.

Widespread Discrimination and Reservation

Reservation exists to address these issues. It aims to correct the social and educational backwardness caused by caste-based discrimination. However, the perception and impact of reservation are often misunderstood.

Why Caste as the Basis of Reservation?

Caste-based discrimination can only be effectively addressed by implementing reservation based on caste. This approach ensures that those historically disadvantaged due to caste-based discrimination have a chance to participate equally in society and education.

Why Do People Cry Over Reservation?

Those who oppose reservation often fail to see its true purpose. They mistakenly believe economic conditions should be the basis for reservation. In independent India, the harm caused by caste-based discrimination has been significant, affecting opportunities for lower castes.

Will Reservation Ever End?

The continuation of reservation depends on societal progress. If caste-based discrimination persists, reservation is likely to remain. It is important for society to progress towards true equality and understanding.

Alternative to Reservation

While the concept of reservation remains a critical tool for promoting social and educational equality, finding alternatives is a complex challenge. It is important to recognize that caste is a social grouping, and the issue lies in the discrimination it perpetuates.

As you sow, so shall you reap. The discrimination sown by previous generations has led to a divided society, and it is our responsibility to heal these wounds and promote true equality.

The journey towards a more egalitarian society is ongoing. Understanding the root causes and addressing them through meaningful policies and practices is essential for a fair and just society.