Reservation: Generational Privilege or Real Justice ?
(Who is the beneficiary?)

Dr. Satyawan Saurabh *

Reservation is an important means of eliminating the inequalities prevailing in Indian society for centuries and bringing the deprived communities into the mainstream. But over time it is becoming a generational privilege, leaving the truly needy deprived. The necessity of an economic basis and periodic review can make this system more equitable. If we want to build an empowered and equitable society, serious efforts will have to be made towards reforming and restructuring the reservation policy.

The issue of reservation in India has always been a sensitive and controversial topic. It is considered an important tool for social justice, economic equality, and redressal of historical oppression. But as time passed, the concept of reservation seems to have deviated from its original objectives.

Recently, the statement of Supreme Court judge Justice B.R. Gavai takes this debate in a new direction, in which he said that the decision to exclude affluent people from reservation should be taken by the Parliament. His statement raises many questions—is the real benefit of reservation reaching the class for which it was created? Does this system now demand reform and reconsideration?

The basic purpose of reservation

Reservation was introduced with the aim of eliminating the deep social inequalities prevalent in Indian society and bringing the deprived communities into the mainstream for centuries. It was a means by which social, educational, and economic backwardness could be removed and all sections of the society could get equal opportunities.

Constitution maker Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar presented reservation as a temporary measure so that Dalits, tribals, and backward classes could get justice and opportunities. His aim was to create a society where there is no place for caste discrimination and social oppression. It was not limited only to government jobs and education but was a bold step towards a holistic social reform.

The real face of the problem

But, gradually, this system is becoming a generational privilege for those families who have already been empowered. Justice Gavai's observation that when a person becomes an IAS or IPS, his children do not face the hardships of the same society points to an important truth. An officer's family is far removed from the real underprivileged due to higher education, a better lifestyle, and easy access to resources.

This situation can be seen not only in government services but also in the private sector, higher education institutions, and other professional sectors. In such a situation, the question arises whether it is justified for these families to continue getting the benefit of reservation.

The necessity of economic support

The main objective of reservation was not only to eliminate caste discrimination but also to eliminate economic inequality. But today the basis of reservation is mostly based on caste identity, whereas in reality economic status should also be an important factor.

Talking about excluding the affluent classes from reservation can be a necessary step in this direction so that the benefits can reach the people who are really in need. This approach will not only ensure a more equitable distribution of resources but will also promote a sense of real equality and justice in the society.

Social challenges of reservation

The system of reservation often falls prey to political gains and vote bank politics. This leaves the truly needy sections behind. In addition, a kind of class division has started emerging even within the reserved categories, where some families are continuously taking advantage of this facility, while others are still marginalized.

This trend not only weakens the basic purpose of reservation but also increases social tension and a sense of injustice.

Responsibility of Parliament

Now the time has come for the Parliament to seriously consider this issue. It has to be decided whether the benefit of reservation should be limited to those families who are actually deprived and backward. This change will be in line with the basic spirit of social justice for which the system of reservation was created.

This decision is important not only from a legal but also from a moral and social point of view. Also, it demands a system that can review the relevance of reservations from time to time.

Direction of solution
The benefit of reservation should be limited to one generation only.

Caste and economic backwardness should be properly assessed by including an economic basis. Children from affluent families should be kept out of the reservation so that its benefits reach the real needy.

Reservation should be reviewed at a fixed period so that its real beneficiaries can be identified. Inclusive policies in education and employment should be promoted so that all sections can get equal opportunities. Transparent research and surveys should be conducted from time to time on the effectiveness of reservation so that the status of its real beneficiaries can be assessed.

Education and skill development should be improved at the regional and rural level so that the real potential of the deprived sections can be enhanced. Reservation policy should be viewed from a long-term and impartial perspective by limiting political interference.

A new dawn

Reservation is a sensitive and complex subject, but its framework needs to change with time. Justice Gavai's statement points to an important debate that can shape the progress of our society and the new definition of justice.

If we truly want to build an equitable society, we must reform and restructure the policy of reservation with time. This will not only respect the basic objectives of the Constitution but also be a necessary step towards a better and more just society.