“BEYOND THE QUOTA: RETHINKING INDIA’S RESERVATION SYSTEM IN THE 21ST CENTURY”

AUTHOR – PURVA MAKARAND RAJENIMBALKAR, STUDENT AT SYMBIOSIS LAW COLLEGE, PUNE

BEST CITATION – PURVA MAKARAND RAJENIMBALKAR, “BEYOND THE QUOTA: RETHINKING INDIA’S RESERVATION SYSTEM IN THE 21ST CENTURY”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 881-890, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

This paper critically analyzes the reservation policy in India, tracing its historical evolution and examining its contemporary relevance. Initially introduced as a measure to help lift  the deep-seated caste-based inequities, it has dramatically expanded educational, employment, and political opportunities for at-risk communities. First, the system has been criticized for holding on to divisions and not sufficiently adapting to evolving socioeconomic realities. This study advocates a dynamic approach to push affirmative action in India using the framework of constitutional provisions, landmark judicial decisions, and socio-political debates. It calls for policy impact assessment at regular intervals, a phased transition to meritocracy in certain areas, and sunset clauses to not create dependence. The authors ultimately conclude that reservation is a crucial mechanism for achieving social justice, but its infrastructure needs careful reform to remain relevant in a contemporary, fair society. ​

Keywords – Reservation Policy, Caste-based Reservation, Affirmative Action, Social Justice, Economic Criteria, Mandal Commission.