India’s reservation system in higher education aims to promote social justice and equality, but its impact is debated.

– Economic Impact:

Reservations reduce competitiveness, potentially affecting innovation and economic growth.

– Social Impact:

Reservations create resentment among non-reserved categories, perpetuating social divisions. However, they increase representation and access for marginalized groups.

– Political Impact:

Reservations are seen as a vote-bank tactic, rather than a genuine effort towards inclusivity.

– Educational Impact:

Reservations dilute academic standards, undermining institutional credibility.

– Comparison with Affirmative Action:

Unlike India, affirmative action policies elsewhere focus on socioeconomic status and diversity, balancing inclusivity with academic excellence.

Way Forward:

Implement economic reservations, merit-based scholarships, and targeted outreach programs to balance academic excellence and social justice. Foster a culture of meritocracy and equal opportunities to promote social mobility and academic excellence.