Reserved seats for lower castes in the education system, known as affirmative action or reservation policies, address historical and systemic inequalities faced by marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). These groups have historically suffered from social discrimination, economic deprivation, and limited access to education and employment opportunities.

The primary aim of these reservations is to promote social justice and provide equal opportunities for all citizens. By ensuring a certain percentage of seats are allocated to these underrepresented communities, the policies help to level the playing field, allowing individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to compete more fairly with those from more privileged sections of society.

Moreover, reservations contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of these communities by increasing their representation in educational institutions and subsequently in the workforce. This increased representation can help break the cycle of poverty and marginalization, leading to more inclusive development.

In essence, reserved seats in the education system are a corrective measure designed to address deep-rooted social disparities, foster inclusive growth, and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their caste background, have access to education and opportunities for advancement.