The reservation system gives a fixed share of seats and jobs to backward sections of society. Its aim is social justice and equality, as promised in the Preamble. Reservation is provided through several constitutional articles and is an important polity topic.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 15(4) allows special provisions for SCs, STs and backward classes.
- Article 16(4) allows reservation in public jobs.
- Article 46 (a DPSP) promotes the welfare of weaker sections.
- Articles 330 and 332 reserve seats for SCs and STs in legislatures.
Categories of Reservation
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC)
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
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Mandal Commission and OBC Quota
The Mandal Commission (1979), headed by B.P. Mandal, recommended 27% reservation for OBCs. This was implemented in 1990. In the Indra Sawhney case (1992), the Supreme Court upheld it and fixed a 50% ceiling on total reservation.
EWS Reservation
The 103rd Amendment, 2019 gave 10% reservation to Economically Weaker Sections among the general category. This was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2022.
Quick Revision Points
- Article 15(4) and 16(4) allow reservation.
- Main categories: SC, ST, OBC, EWS.
- Mandal Commission recommended 27% OBC reservation.
- Indra Sawhney case (1992) fixed a 50% ceiling.
- 103rd Amendment, 2019 gave 10% EWS quota.
- Articles 330 and 332 reserve legislative seats.
- Reservation aims at social justice.