What's New :
Join Our Open Mentorship Sessions, Register here...
UPSC Interview Guidance Program. Register here...

Should the 50 % legal ceiling on reservation be reconsidered?

  • Published
    14th Oct, 2023

Context:

Debate on reservation cap: Bihar's caste survey shows 84% OBCs, SCs, STs. Calls for rethinking limits on caste-based reservation.

Debating the 50% Reservation Cap

  • Historical Perspective: The 50% reservation cap is viewed as arbitrary, with some states already surpassing it.
  • Legal Evolution: Originating from M.R. Balaji case, it gained prominence in Mandal (Indra Sawhney) case as almost a fundamental right.
  • Need for Reconsideration: Challenging the cap requires a state like Bihar to lead and possibly call for reconsideration.

Challenges in Defining OBCs

  • OBCs as an Administrative Category: OBC encompasses diverse castes, necessitating sub-categorization to ensure equitable representation.
  • Conceptual Ambiguity: Unlike SCs and STs, defining OBCs is complex, requiring rethinking of social and educational backwardness.
  • Political and Social Implications: Sub-categorization may have political repercussions and prompt debates on the inclusion of certain castes.

Caste Census and Its Implications

  • Addressing Group-based Deprivation: Rahul Gandhi's call for caste-based survey aims at collective representation for similarly positioned groups.
  • Critique and Reality: While counting castes may have potential drawbacks, it acknowledges existing realities and informs policy measures.
  • Mandal 2.0 and Caste Mobilization: The current situation may impact BJP's stance, necessitating broader anti-caste mobilization for meaningful representation.
You must be logged in to get greater insights.
GS Mains Classes GS Classes 2024 GS Classes 2024 GS Classes 2024 UPSC Study Material

Verifying, please be patient.

Our Centers

DELHI (Karol Bagh)

GS SCORE, 1B, Second Floor, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi - 110005 (Beside Karol Bagh Metro Station Gate No. 8)

Get directions on Google Maps

BHUBANESWAR (Jaydev Vihar)

GS SCORE, Plot No.2298, Jaydev Vihar Square, Near HCG Day Care, BBSR - 751013

Get directions on Google Maps

LUCKNOW (Aliganj)

GS SCORE, 2nd Floor, B-33, Sangam Chauraha, Sector H, Aliganj, Lucknow, UP - 226024

Get directions on Google Maps

Enquire Now