The Drawbacks of Caste-Based Reservation in India: A Closer Look

India’s caste-based reservation system was introduced as a powerful tool to uplift historically marginalized communities and ensure social justice. Over the years, it has undeniably improved access to education, employment, and political representation for disadvantaged groups. However, despite its noble intent, the reservation policy has also given rise to several issues and criticisms. Let’s explore some of the major drawbacks of caste-based reservation in modern India.

1. Meritocracy vs. Social Justice

One of the most commonly cited drawbacks is that caste-based reservation can sometimes compromise merit. In competitive exams, admissions, and job recruitment, individuals from reserved categories may secure positions with significantly lower scores than their general category counterparts. This has led to a perception—sometimes fairly, unfairly—that merit is being sacrificed in the name of social justice.

While the goal is to create a level playing field, critics argue that economic disadvantage, rather than caste alone, should be a key criterion to ensure both fairness and competence.

2. The Creamy Layer Dilemma

The term "creamy layer" refers to the relatively wealthier and more educated individuals within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) who continue to benefit from reservations. This has sparked debate about whether those who are already socio-economically advanced should still receive the same affirmative action benefits, potentially depriving the truly needy.

Despite the introduction of the "creamy layer" concept for OBCs, it does not apply to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), raising further questions about equity within equity.

3. Social Division and Caste Consciousness

Ironically, a policy meant to eliminate caste-based inequality has, in some cases, reinforced caste identity. Reservation policies often lead to caste becoming a focal point in educational institutions, workplaces, and even politics.

Rather than creating a casteless society, many believe that the policy has contributed to deeper social divisions, vote-bank politics, and even hostility among different communities.

4. Neglect of Economically Disadvantaged Upper Castes

There is a growing section of economically backward individuals among upper castes who feel left out of the reservation benefits. Though the introduction of the 10% EWS (Economically Weaker Section) quota in 2019 aimed to address this, critics argue that the broader reservation structure still largely ignores economic status in favor of caste lines.

This exclusion creates resentment and a sense of injustice among those who are poor but do not fall under reserved categories.

5. Lack of Periodic Review and Exit Mechanism

Most affirmative action policies around the world come with built-in sunset clauses or periodic reviews. In India, however, caste-based reservations have been extended repeatedly without a clear roadmap or end goal. There’s little discussion on when or how certain communities might graduate out of the need for reservations.

Without a time-bound or performance-based assessment, the policy risks becoming a permanent fixture rather than a temporary corrective measure.

6. Impact on Efficiency and Institutional Standards

In some institutions, the wide gap in cutoff marks between reserved and general category candidates has sparked concerns about the overall quality and efficiency of the workforce, especially in specialized fields like medicine, engineering, and civil services.

While many reserved category candidates perform on par with others, systemic dependence on quotas rather than capability-based selection may hamper institutional excellence in the long run.

Conclusion

Caste-based reservation in India was never meant to be a permanent solution—it was a bold social experiment aimed at creating a more just and equitable society. But over time, it has revealed cracks that need careful and sensitive policy rethinking. A future-oriented approach might emphasize economic criteria, improved primary education for all, and mechanisms to ensure that benefits reach the truly disadvantaged.

Affirmative action should empower, not entrench. It’s time India reevaluates its reservation policy to reflect the changing realities of the 21st century.