Positive Discrimination in India: New Approaches to Contemporary Socio-Economic Issues

 
PIIS032150750028099-0-1
DOI10.31857/S032150750028099-0
Publication type Article
Status Published
Authors
Occupation: Senior Lecturer, School of International Relations
Affiliation: MGIMO
Address: Russian Federation, Moscow
Journal nameAsia and Africa Today
EditionIssue 10
Pages26-33
Abstract

In contemporary India, the policy of positive discrimination aims to help socially backward classes of the society which includes Scheduled castes, Scheduled tribes and Other Backward Classes. The state provides reservations in educational institutions and public employment to them. These categories include only some groups of the religious communities, Dalits and also the members of the middle and low castes of the Hindu community. However, in 2019 Narendra Modi’s government passed the constitutional amendment that allows citizens with low income to apply for 10% quota places regardless of their religion and cast status.

Public ambiguously accepted the reform, but the Supreme Court upheld the Amendment. The economically backward citizens who do not belong to any reserved category now have the reservation for admission in educational institutions and government jobs. Muslims as well as members of the other religious minorities who are not covered by the existing quotas now can also enroll in the educational institutions or enter the civil service. Despite the positive nature of the reform for the poor citizens many still believe that it is another way to attract the votes during the elections.

KeywordsIndia, Muslim community, Dalits, reservation, economically weaker sections of the society, other backward classes
Received02.07.2023
Publication date22.11.2023
Number of characters24806
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