‘Reservations in India’ is indeed a vast & complex subject. It has many intertwined facets. Moreover, politicians (and perhaps judiciary too) have made a Royal khichadi of reservations. Hence it has become a three pipe problem!
I do not want to create confusions here by myriad of Constitutional provisions; their interpretations and various court rulings. To put it straight, reservations (rather the benefit of 'special provisions for advancement'), as contemplated under the Constitution are to be given to 'socially and educationally backward classes or the SCs and STs'. Thus, caste was the main basis for reservations. Perhaps in 1940s when Constitution was drafted, this did make sense. Economic grounds could not have been considered that time, perhaps for obvious reasons that vast population was affected by extreme poverty, and adequate seats and jobs may not be available back then.
In 1991-92, PV Narasinhrao Government tried to give reservations on economic backwardness ground, but it was struck down by Supreme Court. The reason then, was firstly that there was no such Constitutional provision for reservations on economic grounds, and it was coupled with Mandal Aayog recommendations.
Since 1950 and even after 1991, time has changed, and it has changed for the good.....
In past so many years, economic condition of countrymen has improved considerably. But this has resulted into increase in financial disparity, and rift is getting wider. Naturally, the number of ‘have nots’ in the country has increased exponentially. It is no secret that such people are deprived of good education and consequently jobs, and continue to live in destitute conditions.
With these changed economic conditions in the country, passing on the benefits of reservations to economically backward aka poor class is important. This will also bring back socio-financial equilibrium in the country.
Besides, perhaps no logical man would disagree that its really alarmingly high time we change our caste based social structure. Educated class in the society definitely wants this deep rooted caste system to be eradicated completely. Something like 'Meiji restoration' is need of the time.
However, if such a social change doesn't happen in time, despite all the economic progress which country is witnessing presently, ever-widening cleave amongst castes would endanger social fabric.
Reservation is one such thing which further tightens the grip of caste system on our society, so much so that sane people also are not ready to relinquish casteist mindset, due to the benefits attached to caste based reservations.
If we gradually move from caste based reservations to reservations based on financial condition of the people, it definitely makes more sense in today’s time. Ultimately, economic backwardness would always impair educational upliftment and would render such population socially backward too.
Considering all of above, I am personally quite delighted with the decision of granting 10% reservation to economically backward class. If transformation takes place gradually, I behold an utopia that caste system has become history in India! Amen!!!
