A Step Forward: Democratizing India’s Reservation Policy

The caste system has long been one of India’s most entrenched social challenges. At the lowest rung of this hierarchy lie the Dalits, classified constitutionally as Scheduled Castes (SCs). Yet even within this group, stark disparities persist, with certain sub-castes, like the Madigas, historically left behind despite decades of affirmative action policies aimed at uplifting the marginalized.

In a groundbreaking ruling, India’s highest court recently affirmed that states have the authority to sub-classify Scheduled Castes, enabling targeted reservations for the most marginalized among them. This decision marks a pivotal moment in India’s ongoing effort to address inequalities that persist even within the Dalit community itself.

Historically, Dalit subcastes like the Madigas have faced entrenched exclusion, even within their own community. Traditionally associated with professions such as manual scavenging and leather work, Madigas and similar subcastes have struggled for representation in education, jobs, and political life. Movements like the Madiga Dandora, spearheaded by organizations like the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS), have been advocating for equitable distribution of SC reservations for decades.

The challenges faced by the Madigas reflect a broader issue: several commissions, including the Ramachandra Raju Commission (1996) and the Justice Usha Mehta Commission (2007), have documented the need for sub-categorization. Their findings underscore that a one-size-fits-all approach to reservations fails to address the specific needs of the most disadvantaged sub-castes. Despite constitutional provisions under Articles 15(4) and 16(4), which empower governments to enact affirmative action for marginalized communities, these provisions have not adequately benefited the most disadvantaged within SC groups.

At the time of India’s independence, all Dalits faced extreme marginalization. Over the decades, reservations have enabled upward mobility for some, but others remain trapped in generational poverty. Sub-categorization seeks to address this imbalance by focusing resources on those who have yet to benefit from affirmative action. For instance, data show that more than fifty sub-categories within SCs are still relegated to menial, degrading professions, with many continuing to suffer discrimination even within Dalit communities.

It is a harsh reality that despite the ban on manual scavenging, this practice persists, often claiming the lives of the most marginalized. Every year, numerous Dalits drown in human excreta while performing these dangerous jobs. Sub-categorization could ensure that resources are directed to these vulnerable groups, helping them escape a life of indignity and hazard. The Supreme Court’s observation that Dalit groups are far from homogeneous reinforces the need for nuanced policy interventions to address disparities not only in socioeconomic status but also in political representation and access to education.

The Indian Constitution provides strong legal backing for this initiative. Articles 15(4) and 16(4) explicitly allow for special measures to uplift marginalized groups. Additionally, Article 46 of the Directive Principles of State Policy advocates for promoting the educational and economic interests of weaker sections, including SCs, Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). These constitutional provisions provide the framework for reforms that address deeply rooted inequalities.

Moving forward, policymakers should also consider gender-based reservations within SC sub-castes to uplift the most marginalized women. By mainstreaming gender equity alongside caste-based reforms, India can amplify the impact of its affirmative action policies. Addressing intersectionality—the overlapping issues of caste, class, and gender—could pave the way for more inclusive and effective social justice mechanisms.

Predictably, political reactions to the Supreme Court’s decision have been mixed, with some parties opposing the move for electoral reasons. Yet for the most marginalized, this reform represents a vital opportunity to climb the socio-economic ladder. The sub-categorization movement, pioneered in states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, has already inspired similar demands from other communities across India. These movements highlight the widespread desire for more targeted and equitable policies.

However, implementing these reforms will not be without challenges. Introducing a “creamy layer”—a concept used in OBC reservations to exclude wealthier beneficiaries—within SC reservations is controversial. Many argue that despite improved economic status, caste-based discrimination continues to affect all Dalits. Reservations for SCs were initially based on caste hierarchy and exclusion, not class, and any changes must carefully balance these historical considerations with modern realities.

Sub-categorization is a progressive step toward democratizing India’s reservation policy. By directing benefits to those who need them most, this policy can help uplift the most marginalized and ensure their inclusion in the country’s rapidly globalizing economy. As India aspires to become a more progressive and equitable society, these reforms represent a critical juncture.

Failing to act risks leaving a significant portion of India’s population behind, perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion. The democratization of reservations is not just a constitutional mandate but a moral imperative. By embracing targeted reforms, India can take a significant step toward building a more equitable society—one that finally delivers justice to those historically denied it, enabling them to fully participate in the nation’s growth and development.

Courtesy: Int Policy Digest

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