Reservation in Indian Constitution

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Reservation in Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution provides for reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for certain groups of people who have been historically disadvantaged. This reservation is intended to help these groups achieve equality of opportunity and to redress the imbalances that have been created by centuries of discrimination.

The Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. It is the supreme law of India and provides for a parliamentary system of government. The Constitution also guarantees certain fundamental rights to all citizens, including the right to equality, the right to freedom, the right against exploitation, the right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies.

The Constitution also provides for a number of special provisions for certain groups of people, including the Scheduled Castes (SCs), the Scheduled Tribes (STs), the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and the Anglo-Indians. These special provisions are known as reservations.

Reservations are made in government jobs and educational institutions for SCs, STs, and OBCs. The percentage of reservation for SCs and STs is 15% and 7.5%, respectively. The percentage of reservation for OBCs is 27%. The reservation for Anglo-Indians is 2%.

The purpose of reservations is to help SCs, STs, and OBCs achieve equality of opportunity and to redress the imbalances that have been created by centuries of discrimination. Reservations are intended to give these groups a fair chance to compete for government jobs and educational opportunities.

Reservations have been a controversial issue in India since the time of independence. Some people argue that reservations are necessary to help SCs, STs, and OBCs achieve equality of opportunity. Others argue that reservations are unfair to other groups of people and that they create a sense of entitlement among the beneficiaries.

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that reservations are constitutional. However, the Court has also placed certain restrictions on the use of reservations. For example, the Court has ruled that the total percentage of reservation cannot exceed 50%.

The debate over reservations is likely to continue for many years to come. However, it is clear that reservations have played an important role in helping SCs, STs, and OBCs achieve equality of opportunity in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is reservation?

Reservation is a system of preferential treatment given to certain groups of people in government jobs and educational institutions.

  1. Who are the beneficiaries of reservation?

The beneficiaries of reservation are the Scheduled Castes (SCs), the Scheduled Tribes (STs), the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and the Anglo-Indians.

  1. What is the purpose of reservation?

The purpose of reservation is to help SCs, STs, and OBCs achieve equality of opportunity and to redress the imbalances that have been created by centuries of discrimination.

  1. Is reservation constitutional?

Yes, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that reservation is constitutional. However, the Court has also placed certain restrictions on the use of reservations. For example, the Court has ruled that the total percentage of reservation cannot exceed 50%.

  1. What is the debate over reservation?

The debate over reservation is a complex one. Some people argue that reservations are necessary to help SCs, STs, and OBCs achieve equality of opportunity. Others argue that reservations are unfair to other groups of people and that they create a sense of entitlement among the beneficiaries.

MCQs

  1. Which of the following groups of people are beneficiaries of reservation?
    (A) Scheduled Castes (SCs)
    (B) Scheduled Tribes (STs)
    (C) Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
    (D) All of the above

  2. What is the purpose of reservation?
    (A) To help SCs, STs, and OBCs achieve equality of opportunity
    (B) To redress the imbalances that have been created by centuries of discrimination
    (C) Both (A) and (B)

  3. Is reservation constitutional?
    (A) Yes
    (B) No

  4. What is the debate over reservation?
    (A) It is a complex one with no easy answers
    (B) Some people argue that reservations are necessary, while others argue that they are unfair
    (C) Both (A) and (B)

  5. Which of the following is not a restriction on the use of reservations?
    (A) The total percentage of reservation cannot exceed 50%
    (B) Reservations cannot be used for promotions
    (C) Reservations cannot be used for private sector jobs