Tag: #reservation

All about the 105th Amendment Act of the Indian Constitution and its Impacts

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S.noContents
1.Introduction
2.Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
3.Impact on Education and Employment
4.Disagreements and Criticisms
5.Transformation of the Socioeconomic System
6.Implications for the Future and Problems

Introduction to the 105th Amendment Act

The Indian Constitution’s 105th Amendment Act, officially known as the Constitution (One Hundred and Fifth Amendment) Act, 20191, is a crucial legislative measure that introduced important changes in the field of reservations in India. This amendment passed on January 12, 2019, and adopted on August 5, 2019, marked a turning point in India’s lengthy history of affirmative action legislation.

The major goal of the 105th Amendment Act was to expand reservations to economically disadvantaged sectors (EWS) of the general population. It intended to provide equitable opportunity for individuals who were economically disadvantaged while not belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC). This modification sought to address the long-standing complaint that reservation systems disproportionately benefited specific castes, potentially leaving economically disadvantaged individuals out of the general category.

The inclusion of Articles 15(6) and 16(6) to the Indian Constitution was one of the significant measures established by this amendment. These provisions allowed the government to give up to 10% reservation in educational institutions and public employment for the EWS2, allowing them to enter the intensely competitive Indian education and job sectors.

The passage of the 105th Amendment Act was a watershed point in India’s quest for social justice and equality. It triggered heated debates and discussions on what constitutes “economic backwardness” and the practical implications of such reservations. It generated both support and criticism, as with every big constitutional amendment, prompting a full assessment of India’s complicated confluence of caste, class, and affirmative action.

Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

The Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota policy was implemented in India through the 105th Amendment Act, which signified a substantial break from the traditional framework of caste-based reservations. This programme, which went into force in 2019, intends to reduce economic disparities and provide chances to those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in general. 

Individuals in the EWS category are entitled to up to 10% of seats in educational institutions and government positions under the EWS reservation policy. Individuals or families must meet certain income and wealth requirements to qualify for EWS. The income restriction often takes into account factors such as family income, property, and agricultural holdings. By giving reservation benefits to people who are struggling financially but do not belong to any reserved category, this tactic aims to level the playing field.

One of its main benefits is that the EWS reservation policy does not conflict with currently held reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC). Instead, it adds a new category within the broader category for economically disadvantaged people.

The implementation of EWS reservations has received both praise and criticism. Proponents say that it tackles the issue of economic inequality, while detractors worry about the potential impact on current quotas and call the criteria of economic backwardness into doubt.

Impact on Education and Employment

The 105th Amendment Act’s inclusion of Economic Weaker Sections (EWS) reservations in education and employment has had a significant impact on access to these critical fields. This programme attempted to increase chances for economically disadvantaged individuals in the general category by allocating up to 10% of seats and posts in educational institutions and public jobs to EWS candidates.

The impact has been substantial in the field of education. EWS reservations have increased access to quality education for pupils who would not otherwise have had such possibilities. This change has enhanced competition and diversity in classroom settings, resulting in a more inclusive educational experience. However, it has raised concerns about the infrastructure and resources needed to accommodate the increasing student intake, which might put institutions under strain.

In terms of employment, EWS reservations have opened up new opportunities for job seekers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. EWS candidates now have more access to government career possibilities in particular. This has the ability to generate greater social inclusion by creating a more varied and representative workforce. However, difficulties occur when attempting to balance the demands of employment quotas with the necessity for merit-based selections.

The impact of EWS reservations on education and employment is a source of contention, with continuous debates over implementation, effectiveness, and the difficult balance between eliminating economic disparities and maintaining the quality and efficiency of these institutions.

Disagreements and Criticisms

Since its beginnings, the 105th Amendment Act, which introduced reservations for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), has been the subject of various disputes and critiques. While supporters say that it reduces economic inequality, detractors have legitimate concerns about its possible consequences.

One major point of contention is the notion of “economic backwardness” used to determine eligibility for EWS reservations. According to critics, the income and asset limitations are arbitrary and do not reflect the genuine amount of economic need. This has raised concerns about whether qualified candidates are being denied, despite the fact that persons who are not genuinely economically disadvantaged may profit from the approach.

Another issue is that the existing reservation quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) may be diluted. Some are concerned that the 10% EWS reserve may limit possibilities for historically marginalised communities, undercutting the basic purpose of affirmative action policies.

Furthermore, there are issues regarding the viability of efficiently enforcing EWS reservations, particularly in highly competitive industries like as education and public jobs. Critics say that the sudden surge of EWS applicants will strain resources and infrastructure, lowering overall educational and administrative quality.

Critics of the 105th Amendment Act also criticise the timing and intentions for its passage, implying that it was motivated by political considerations rather than a genuine desire to redress economic inequality.

These debates and criticisms underscore the complexities of EWS reservations, as well as the necessity for continual examination and revision to ensure they achieve their intended goals without negatively impacting other marginalised groups.

Transformation of the Socioeconomic System

The 105th Amendment Act’s implementation of the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota policy has the potential to cause enormous socioeconomic upheavals in India. While the entire scope of these changes will become obvious over time, a number of potential consequences can be predicted.

  1. Increased Educational Access: EWS reservations give economically disadvantaged people easier access to quality education. As a result, a larger pool of qualified and educated workers from varied origins may emerge, potentially contributing to economic growth and development.
  2. Expanded Employment Opportunities: The programme intends to solve unemployment and underemployment among economically disadvantaged groups by reserving government job openings for EWS candidates. This can result in a higher standard of living for EWS households and a decrease in poverty rates.
  3. Reduced Income disparity: If implemented correctly, the EWS reservation policy may contribute to lowering income disparity by providing chances to individuals who were previously marginalised owing to economic constraints. EWS reservations can act as a social mobility mechanism, allowing individuals to break the cycle of poverty and access better prospects for themselves and their children.3
  4. Diverse Representation: The policy may result in more diverse representation in educational institutions and government bodies in the long run, encouraging a sense of inclusion and equity.
  5. Problems and Adjustments: It is crucial to emphasise that the policy offers problems, such as ensuring that infrastructure and resources can meet the increased demand for education and employment possibilities.4

The socioeconomic transition brought about by the 105th Amendment Act has a lot of potential, but it also needs to be carefully monitored, evaluated, and adjusted if it is to reduce economic inequities while retaining the effectiveness of institutions and services.

Implications for the Future and Problems

The introduction of EWS reservations in India via the 105th Amendment Act has far-reaching ramifications for the future, as well as a number of obstacles that must be properly addressed.

Future Possibilities:

  1. Socioeconomic inclusiveness: EWS reservations have the potential to improve socioeconomic inclusiveness. The strategy attempts to eliminate income disparity and create a more balanced society by offering chances to economically disadvantaged individuals.
  2. Diversity in Education and Employment: By including EWS candidates, educational institutions and the workforce can become more diverse. This variety can broaden viewpoints and produce a more welcoming workplace.5

Future Obstacles:

  1. Effective Implementation: It is a huge problem to ensure that the benefits of EWS reservations reach the intended beneficiaries. Transparent methods and proper implementation mechanisms are critical.
  2. Infrastructure and Resources: The unexpected increase in the number of EWS students and job seekers may put educational institutions and government organisations under strain. To handle this transition, adequate infrastructure and resources must be allocated.
  3. Balancing current Quotas: Finding the correct balance between EWS reservations and current quotas for SC, ST, and OBC populations is a major difficulty. The strategy should not unintentionally limit chances for historically marginalised communities.
  4. Political Manipulation: There is a concern that reserve policies will be manipulated for political advantage. These policies must be safeguarded against abuse.
  5. Continuous Evaluation: To assess the long-term impact of EWS reservations, continuous evaluation and policy revisions may be required to guarantee the programme accomplishes its socioeconomic aims.6

To summarise, the future of EWS reservations in India is dependent on their efficient implementation, overcoming hurdles, and remaining focused on the larger goal of eliminating economic disparity and promoting a more inclusive society.

Endnotes:

  1.  The Constitution (One Hundred and Fifth Amendment) Act, 2019. “Gazette of India”
  2.  The Times of India, “10% quota for poorer sections in general category challenged in Supreme Court,” January 10, 2019.
  3. Kumar, S. (2019). “Impact of Reservation Policy in India: A Socio-Economic Analysis.” International Journal of Recent Research Aspects, 6(1), 1-10.
  4. Dreze, J., & Khera, R. (2017). “Understanding Leakages in the Public Distribution System.” Economic and Political Weekly, 52(28), 49-55.
  5. Kundu, T., & Kanbur, R. (2019). “Economics and Politics of Reservation in India: An Overview of Emerging Issues.” Cornell University ILR School, Ithaca, New York.
  6. Thorat, S., & Attewell, P. (2007). “The Legacy of Social Exclusion: A Correspondence Study of Job Discrimination in India.” Economic and Political Weekly, 42(41), 4141-4145.

This article is authored by Srishti Singh, a pass-out student at O P Jindal Global University, Sonipat

“Protective Discrimination” A Boon Or Bane for Eternity?

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Introduction:

Considering the history of racial and caste discrimination in the world, the two most prominent names pop in our minds, i.e., United States and India. Unfortunately, India leads ahead of the US in this particular issue. To abolish such discrimination, the government of India, since its independence has been putting efforts through protective discrimination for the welfare of the languishing units of society. 

Since the inception of the Constitution of India, certain provisions have been primarily enshrined under Part III (Fundamental Rights) and Part IV (Fundamental Duties) for empowering the concept of protective discrimination to fill the societal voids. 

Protective discrimination has been adopted as a tool for granting special privileges to the downtrodden and the underprivileged sections of society. These are the affirmative action programs, and also known as positive discrimination. The term “protective discrimination” implies that a certain right or privilege is provided to those who have been oppressed and discriminated against for ages. Discrimination against discrimination is based on the widely known quote “iron cuts iron”.  There’s no ambiguity as history conveys that one type of discrimination is curative and protective in nature whereas the other type is negative and destructive. The society’s most susceptible section includes-

  • Scheduled Caste
  • Scheduled Tribe
  • Women
  • Children
  • Old age people
  • Transgender

Origin:

The first instance of appreciating the need for such discrimination in Indian history, in favor of the underprivileged, could be seen during the Nationalist Movement. Mahatma Gandhi, a devout Hindu and a staunch believer in the caste system was himself the first leader to recognize the significance of this subject and to invoke the sense of right and wrong of the higher castes to this age-old social malady of relegating whole communities and labeling them as “untouchables”. He renamed these untouchables as “Harijans” (people of God). He strived to provide this policy a religious sanction. He was well aware of the political motive of inaugurating this large body of people into the political mainstream to make the freedom movement more broad-based. 

The Indian Constitution largely followed the pattern of the Government of India Act, 1935, and made provisions for positive discrimination in favor of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs & STs) which constituted approximately 23% of the divided Indian population. Besides reservation in parliamentary seats for them, they were also given advantages through jobs in the public sector, admission in schools and colleges, various pecuniary benefits for their overall development, and so on. Besides assuring the fundamental right of equality of all citizens before the law, the Constitution of India categorically laid down that “nothing in the constitution shall prevent the State from making any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or the SCs and STs”.

Statutory Provisions:

The following articles of the Constitution of India provide laws in favor of the concept of positive discrimination:

  • Art. 15(5): The aforementioned sub-section was enunciated by the 93rd Constitution Amendment Act, 2006. It provides that nothing in Art. 15 or in sub-clause (g) of Art. 19 shall prevent the State from making any special provision, through regulation, for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or SC and ST. Such unique provisions relating to admission to an educational institution and are inclusive of non-public educational establishments, whether aided or not by using the state, other than the minority educational establishments referred to in clause (1) of Art. 30
  • Art. 30(1): All minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
  • Art. 16(4): The aforementioned article authorizes the State to make provisions for the reservation of posts in government jobs and training in favor of any backward class, which, in the opinion of the State , is not always adequately represented within the State’s services.
  • Art. 16(4-A): The said article was introduced through the 77th Amendment, enabling the State to make any reservation provision in matters of promotions for SC and ST, which, in the State’s opinion, are not competently represented within the State’s services.
  • Art. 330- Said article permits reservation of certain seats in the autonomous district of Assam for the SC and ST.
  • Art. 332- The aforesaid article provides the reservation of seats for the SC and ST in legislative assemblies of all the states except the scheduled tribes that are within the autonomous district of Assam.

Current Scenario:

The issue of reservation has been an all-time favorite issue in India. However, a PIL has been filed recently in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India by an advocate who is also an MBBS doctor. The petitioner has posed the following questions before the apex court:

  • Are caste-based reservations in education for eternity in this country or is there a time beyond which they would be rolled back or at least to start rollback?
  • Isn’t there any other affirmative action than to provide reservations in education like giving the weaker sections special education, coaching, financial aid, etc. to enable them to compete in the open?
  • Shouldn’t we empower the weaker sections by making them more competitive rather than depowering them by eternal crutches of reservation?
  • Would eternal reservations in education not divide and fracture the society permanently, promote inequality, and ignite hatred, ill-will, and resentment not only against the reserved class but also against the system?
  • Being the protector of fundamental rights, is it not the bounden duty of the Supreme Court under Art. 14, to put a halt to the reserve discrimination being met to the unreserved class by the eternal reservations?

As of now, a division bench of Justice Nageshwara Rao and Justice Hemant Gupta on June 28th had adjourned the plea for a week, after a letter seeking adjournment was circulated by the petitioner in person.

Petitioner failed to acknowledge that the communities which have been treated as slaves in our history for ages can’t be revived in a snap. The damage done in centuries cannot be restored in a few decades. The objective of reservation seems nowhere near as instances of atrocities and societal exclusion of a person belonging to a lower caste in the society are not unfamiliar yet. A few from weaker sections might have grown financially strong with independence but people often, relying on half information, tend to hate the element of reservation, and fail to appreciate that our constitution provides reservation to those sections of society who are “socially” and “educationally” backward. The ground reality is itself illustrated by the petitioner’s second issue that the weaker sections still need affirmative actions for enabling them to compete naturally. Even after 74 years of independence and reservation provisions, there’s a long way ahead to achieve a non- discriminate nation for global development.

However, my conscience tends to partially agree with the petitioner here. Reservation in jobs, educational institutions, etc. cannot go till eternity. It will divide and fracture society if followed for an indefinite period. As excess of anything causes harm. Therefore, for eradicating both discrimination and reservation, all of us primarily need to end discrimination from our minds and help society to grow unitedly thereby leading to no requirement of reservation.

Conclusion:

Competition must be fair by all means and all the competitors must be treated equally, but only if they come from a similar social and educational background. A country must aim to progress within itself before competing in the world and that is exactly what our constitution aims to do. Coronavirus sees no caste and creed before attacking and has been haunting the whole world for the last one-n-half year. All it needs for its development are human beings, though ill. Similarly, we too need to unearth these fallacies as soon as possible for the overall development of our nation. Appropriate actions must be taken for a steady improvement. Lastly, protective discrimination is a boon, but a bane if followed till eternity.

The article has been written by Shikha Sagar, a third-year BA LLB student of Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi.

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