Under which Article of the Constitution of India can reservations for physically challenged persons be justified?
Article 14 and/or Article 16(1)
Article 15(4)
Article 16(4)
Article 16(6)
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2019-20
– Article 16(1) guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. This right is interpreted to allow for affirmative action measures, like reservations, to address historical disadvantages and ensure that marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, have a fair chance in public employment.
– Articles 15(4) and 16(4) specifically deal with reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes. They are based on social and educational backwardness, not physical disability.
– Article 16(6) deals with reservations for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Therefore, the constitutional justification for reservations for persons with disabilities stems from the broader principles of equality and equal opportunity enshrined in Articles 14 and 16(1), allowing the state to take affirmative steps for their inclusion and advancement.