The correct answer is: Increase in reservation quotas.
The Mandal Commission was set up in 1978 by the Janata Party government to examine the social, educational and economic status of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in India. The Commission submitted its report in 1980, recommending that 27% of government jobs and seats in educational institutions be reserved for OBCs.
The report was accepted by the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1985, and the Mandal Commission Act was passed in 1990. The implementation of the Mandal Commission Act led to widespread protests and agitations, particularly in north India. The protests were led by upper-caste groups who felt that the reservation quotas would disadvantage them.
The anti-reservation agitation of 1985 was a major political event in India. It highlighted the deep-seated caste divisions in Indian society and the resentment felt by upper-caste groups towards affirmative action policies.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Economic recession: The anti-reservation agitation of 1985 was not triggered by economic recession. The Indian economy was growing at a healthy rate in the 1980s.
- Caste-based discrimination: Caste-based discrimination is a long-standing problem in India. However, the anti-reservation agitation of 1985 was not specifically triggered by caste-based discrimination.
- Privatization policies: The anti-reservation agitation of 1985 was not triggered by privatization policies. The Indian government did not implement any major privatization policies in the 1980s.