Why Reservation is Important for UPSC
Studying in India is not an easy feat, especially when it comes to the UPSC exams. The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam is considered as one of the toughest and most prestigious competitive exams in India. The UPSC exam opens doors to some of the highest positions in the Indian bureaucracy such as IAS, IPS, and IFS. The competition for the UPSC exam is fierce, and one way of adding to the diversity of the workforce is through reservation. In this blog post, we will be discussing the importance of reservation for UPSC.
What is Reservation?
Reservation is a government policy that reserves a certain percentage of seats in educational institutions, public offices, and government jobs for socially and educationally backward classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The reservation policy was introduced in India after Independence to provide representation to underprivileged communities who have faced significant social and economic challenges, leading to a lack of opportunities.
The History of Reservation in India
The history of reservation in India dates back to the Poona Pact of 1932 when Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar agreed on the principle of reservations for Dalits in government jobs and seats in educational institutions. In 1950, the Indian Constitution provided for reservation in the form of the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories, which were later joined by the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The reservation system, which started as a means of providing social justice to underprivileged communities, became an integral part of Indian society.
The Importance of Reservation for UPSC
The UPSC exam is considered as one of the toughest exams in India, and with the increasing competition, the demand for reservation has also increased. Reservation provides an opportunity for socially and economically backward communities to gain access to education, jobs, and positions that have traditionally been denied to them. Reservation provides candidates from different backgrounds with an equal chance to join the bureaucracy, leading to better representation and diversity in the Indian bureaucracy.One of the advantages of reservation policies for UPSC is that it ensures an impartial representation of the Indian population. Affirmative action and other policies have opened up opportunities for marginalized communities, which have enabled them to pursue higher education and gain access to government jobs. It reduces inequality and ensures representation from diverse backgrounds in government positions.Another advantage of reservation for UPSC is that it helps in achieving an inclusive society. An inclusive society is one where individuals from all backgrounds have equal status, equal consideration, and equal opportunities. Reservation policies ensure that the representation of underprivileged communities in government jobs is not just cosmetic but also genuine. Inclusivity provides a sense of belonging to every individual, creating a more harmonious and cohesive society.
The Criticisms of Reservation for UPSC
Despite the advantages of reservation, it has also faced a lot of criticism over the years. Critics argue that it is unfair to give preferential treatment to one section of the population at the expense of others who may be more qualified. They also argue that it creates a culture of mediocrity as individuals don’t have to work as hard to gain entry into higher educational institutions and government jobs.Another criticism of reservation is that it perpetuates the caste system which it was intended to eradicate. Critics argue that reservation promotes the division of society based on caste, which leads to further marginalization and inequality.
Conclusion
Reservation is an important policy that has helped provide a platform for underprivileged communities to acquire education and jobs in governmental positions. The reservation policy has ensured that individuals from marginalized backgrounds have equal opportunities to join the Indian bureaucracy, which ultimately leads to the creation of a more inclusive society. However, it is also important to understand the criticisms of reservation and work towards creating policies that address them. Nevertheless, reservation policies are here to stay and continue to play a significant role in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.