e n

An examination of affirmative action in India

Questions are often raised about the need for and efficacy of affirmative action (AA) in India. There are apprehensions about reservation of seats in government-aided educational institutions, government-sector jobs, and the legislature. This piece is an attempt at answering a few of those queries. This article is based on Ashwini Deshpande’s book, ‘Affirmative Action in India’ (2013), published by Oxford University Press, India

Question 1: What are the different sectors where reservations are given and why?

In India, seats are reserved in three different sectors: higher education, government jobs, and legislature. The Indian state is a welfare state which is committed to the cause of equality. The state wants people from marginalized segments to avail proper education so that they can compete in the labor market. Since discrimination happens in educational institutions, it becomes incumbent upon the state to reserve seats in jobs as well so that the effects of past discrimination can be undone. Considerable discrimination happens even in the labor market, which compels thinkers and policymakers to reserve seats at the level of local governance and legislature. This is done to address issues of discrimination in the corridors of power and make laws and policies to eradicate various discriminatory practices. One should always remember that reservation is for representation. It desires that all marginalized groups of people be adequately represented, and their voices are heard. It is a three-pronged approach which wants to give access to proper education, outstanding jobs and equal say in policymaking.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE: An examination of affirmative action in India

 

 

About The Author

Zeeshan Husain

Zeeshan Husain is a sociologist. He is an alumnus of the Tata Institute of Social Work, Mumbai, and Centre for Study in Social Sciences, Kolkata

Related Articles

Atrocities against the Meghwals in Rajasthan: A sociohistorical perspective
On 15 October 1962, Kaluram Meghwal went to the well of the Thakurs of his village, drank the water himself and watered his camel,...
Atrocities against the Meghwals in Rajasthan: A sociohistorical perspective
On 15 October 1962, Kaluram Meghwal went to the well of the Thakurs of his village, drank the water himself and watered his camel,...
A celebration of 75 years of Brahmin rule?
If the Varna system starts coming apart, the life of the Brahmin class comes under threat. This is the reason the Brahmin governing class...
‘Nirmal Pathak Ki Ghar Wapsi’: Yet another story of upper-caste charity
In films and TV serials, why are upper-caste characters needed to bring about consciousness in Dalits? When the Dalits have Ambedkar, why do they...