The problems with sub-caste reservations

Source: This post the problems with sub-caste reservations has been created based on the article published in The Hindu on 18^th July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Social Issues – mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

News: This article discusses the issue of sub-caste reservations within the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities in India.

In an ongoing case in the Supreme Court, the decision on sub-caste reservation for SC/STs has been reserved. Now let’s discuss the government’s steps for empowerment of lower castes. The government’s steps till now are in line with the Ambedkar’s 3 policy measures.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar advocated for three policy measures to address the denial of rights and isolation faced by untouchables:

1) Legal safeguards against caste discrimination

2) Reservations in legislature, public jobs, and educational institutions

3) Measures to improve ownership of capital assets and education levels

What was the rationale behind these 3 policies?

Legal Safeguards and Reservations: Ambedkar proposed legal safeguards to ensure fair representation in the present, complemented by reservations to address immediate discrimination in legislatures, jobs, and education.

Economic Empowerment: Recognizing the limitations of legal safeguards and reservations, Ambedkar emphasized improving ownership of capital assets and education for long-term empowerment and capability building.

Therefore, any sub-caste reservation should be extended with these 3 policies in mind.

Is there any need of the sub-caste reservation?

Proponents argue that some sub-castes have benefited more than others, necessitating separate quotas for those lagging behind.

However, it is often ignored that low job participation may stem from low education levels and lack of income-generating assets, not necessarily from discrimination by other sub-castes.

If the sub-caste reservation is given without improving their capital ownership and educational participation, they may continue to have a low share in jobs and education.