Advantages And Disadvantages Of Reservation

Reservation in general and specifically in education is among the most controversial topics with different people taking opposite stances. In government institutions, seats are basically reserved for SCs, STs, OBCs, etc. Reservation is positive discrimination meant to reflect the principle of equality in our Constitution. If special coaching to a weak student is justified, then upliftment for unprivileged using reservations should not be questioned. India is a democratic country where equality among all should be maintained. One of our fundamental rights is right against exploitation and if those who are exploited are unaware of it, how will they fight against it? How can two unequal people be treated equally? It gives unequal opportunity to be equal and start from the same line.

However, in India, only 12-15% of the population within 17 years or more acquires higher education or college degree, most of which belong to the creamy layer of the society. There is a high probability that parents of lower caste are uneducated and hence they discourage their children to do so. They are also made to earn a living for their family at an early age. Education is a privilege and not a right for them. Hence reservation acts as a push to make them equal or competent to those groups who are not born with these disadvantages. To those still arguing the basis of caste let’s do a survey and find out the various castes and relative economic life of sewer cleaners or priests. After 71 years of rule by the privileged castes, the only thing we have produced is millionaires and billionaires who cannot even provide toilets to 55% of the household. There is a visual line for those who are rich from generations getting all luxuries generally belonging to UCs but along with it, there is another mass of people who need to be brought to the centre stage. Reservation was made to draw a longer line parallel to