QUOTA SYSTEM IN INDIA

Feb 19 • General • 5213 Views • 13 Comments on QUOTA SYSTEM IN INDIA

Quota System In India:

Reservation which can also be called a quota system in India is a form of affirmative action designed to improve the well-being of backward and under-represented communities defined primarily by their ‘caste’’. The main objective of the Indian reservation or quota system is to increase the opportunities for enhanced social and educational status (in the sense better than the previous—until it becomes equal to that enjoyed by an average member of other communities) of the underprivileged communities and, thus, enable them to take their rightful place in the mainstream of Indian society.

Current Scenario: Frustration & Inequality

The reservation or quota system exists to provide opportunities for the members of the SCs and STs to increase their representation in the State Legislatures, the Executive Organ of the Union (Centre) and States, the labor force, schools, colleges, and other ‘public’ institutions. The Constitution of India states in Article 15(4): “All citizens shall have equal opportunities of receiving education. Nothing herein contained shall preclude the State from providing special facilities for educationally backward sections (not “communities”) of the population.” It also states that “The State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of society (in particular, of the scheduled castes and aboriginal tribes), and shall protect them from social ”injustice” and all forms of exploitation.”
But nowadays the scenario is different.

General category people are slowly getting frustrated because of it. It is natural when, for example, a highly eligible general category person is rejected from a job because they have selected a mediocre guy just because he is under the quota system of any caste. In the present day, many people under the quota system are enjoying the benefits of it over general category people even if they don’t need it or don’t deserve it. And this is not right.

 Need To Reform:

It should be seen that reserved seats in any place should be given to only those who deserve it or need it because, in this twenty-first century, all people were the same before the constitution; thus, dividing them based on caste should be stopped.

Current Reservation System:

• Schedule Castes (SC): 15%
• Schedule Tribes (Sts): 7.5%
• Other Backward Classes(OBC) : 27%
• Economically Weaker Sections(EWS): 10%

Political Reservation &Representation

The reservation policy also finds application in the field of politics. The Constitution offers reserved seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) and the legislative assemblies of states. This ensures that marginalized sections are represented in the decision-making process.

Merits Of Quota System:

Social Upliftment: Bookings have greatly helped develop the socio-economy of marginalized groups, diminishing centuries of discrimination.

Equal Opportunities: Offers education and employment opportunities to historically disadvantaged sections, bridging the gap between privileged and underprivileged segments.

Political Empowerment: Guarantees representation of marginalized sections in the legislatures, facilitating inclusive governance.

Criticism And Challenges:

1. Comprimising Meritocracy: Critics say that reservations compromise merit-based selection, impacting efficiency and competitiveness.

2. Caste-Based Criteria Rather than Economic-based Criteria: Some feel the system needs to emphasize economic disadvantage over caste-based categorizations.

3. Perpetuation Of Caste Identity: Instead of eradicating caste divisions, reservations can perpetuate caste consciousness in society.

4. Exclusion of Reservation Candidates: Economically poor people from the general category feel excluded because of caste-based reservations.

Plan of Action:

Although the quota system has been helpful in social justice, changes must be brought about to ensure that benefits are distributed evenly. Some possible remedies are:

• Examining Reservation Policy: There should be periodic reviews to check if reservations are necessary and identify the truly disadvantaged classes.
• Economic-Based Reservation: There should be periodic reviews to check if reservations are necessary and identify the truly disadvantaged classes.
• Education &Development Skills: Instead of being dependent solely on reservations, quality improvement in education and vocational training can make marginalized groups more empowered.
• Gradual Facing out of Quotas: Once socio-economic differences are brought down to a great extent, reservations need to be phased out gradually to provide level-playing fields for all.

Conclusion:

In India quota system can make a reform in social injustice and inequalities and responsibilities. By learning and going with the correct skill we can make a good reform and change a valuable structure.

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