The decision of the Modi – government to give 10% reservation to ‘economically weaker section’ [EWS] of the society in educational institutions and government jobs [a constitutional amendment bill in this regard was passed on January 8/9, 2019] prima facie looks politically motivated.
This is because the decision was taken towards the fag end of its term and impending general elections in April/May, 2019. Indeed, the 124th constitutional amendment bill was presented for consideration and passage by Lok Sabha [LS] in its last sitting on January 8, 2019. Further, the session of Rajya Sabha [upper house] was extended by a day to ensure its passage.
The political significance of the decision can also be gauged from the fact that in LS, the bill was passed by a resounding 99% of the members present and voting as against the required 2/3rd. In RS too, the bill received overwhelming support [in this house, BJP along with its allies does not even have a simple majority]. The opposition parties too extended support, though grudgingly.
But, Modi can’t be faulted for doing it just before elections. This is because despite making best of efforts to give relief to all sections of the society including the vast majority of the economically weak [EW] and middle class [apart from a big dent on inflation that benefits by increasing real purchasing power, he is helping them vide a host of schemes viz. MUDRA yojna, Start-up India, Make in India, Skill India etc], they gave a body blow to his party in the recent assembly elections in three Hindi heartland states.
The EW/middle-class felt that the present government was leaning more towards the SC/ST and OBC [other backward classes] – a feeling that was exacerbated by its decision to amend an Act concerning protection of latter against atrocities intended to nullify an order of the Supreme Court [SC]. The SC order merely required the agencies to observe some safeguards [e.g. no arrest without a preliminary enquiry] while implementing provisions of the Act. Yet, it led to massive nation-wide protests by SC/ST/OBC which prompted the amendment in turn, inviting wrath of the upper caste.
The SC/ST/OBC didn’t get anything extra over and above what was already there in the Act yet, the upper caste got it wrong. This negative perception could have led to a much bigger damage in the upcoming general elections which Modi sought to prevent by bringing the constitutional amendment to give 10% reservation to EW/middle-class. What is wrong with that?
For any political party prone to using the public only for catching votes [as was happening under erstwhile UPA led by Congress e.g. the farm loan waiver announced in 2008-09 – prior to 2009 general election], there may be reason to doubt the intention. But, to visualize Modi from the same prism who has worked relentlessly for empowering the poor would be a grave mistake.
Even on merit, Modi can’t be faulted. First, the proposed 10% reservation for EWS in the general category does not encroach on the existing quota of SC/ST [22.5%] and OBC [27%] which remains in tact. Second, persons from all strata of the society [other than SC/ST/OBC] including religious minorities such as Muslims etc can avail of the 10% reserved quota. So, there is no discrimination.
Third, the criteria viz. annual income less than Rs 800,000/-; farm land < 5 acre etc to qualify for 10% quota keeps the canvass wide open to cover a vast majority of the middle-class and EWS who can compete to get a job or seat in an educational institution. As clarified by the minister for social justice and empowerment, Thawarchand Gehlot, the center and states are free to fix the criteria – within the mentioned ceiling – for determination of eligibility in specific circumstances.
The 10% reservation for EWS is a good response to pending demand of aspirants from this class who have been under duress due to 49.5% of jobs under SC/ST/OBC quota. Further, even as under the latter, merit is very often compromised [a good slice of posts remain unfilled due to non-availability of suitable candidates], under the former, this problem won’t arise as – given the wide canvass – availability of suitable candidates will far exceed the number of vacancies.
Under the current political scenario, while, this is the best that Modi could do to address the concerns of EWS, the most desirable course to create job opportunities – without undermining competition and merit – would be do away with caste-based reservation. Such quota was mooted by the founding fathers of our constitution in the backdrop of certain groups viz. SC/ST etc. excluded from social-political mainstream for centuries and dire need to remove the discrimination.
But, this was to be for a temporary period. Dr BR Ambedkar, the key architect, didn’t want reservation to continue beyond 10 years. This was to prevent creation and perpetuation of vested interest. Unfortunately, his hope has been belied as even after 7 decades, these quotas have continued currently at 49.5% – being the cap set by the SC in a judgement delivered in early 90s [in some states such as Tamil Nadu, this is a high of 69%]. With 10% for EWS, this goes up to 59.5%. The ball won’t not stop here.
As is evident from discussion in parliament on the amendment bill, parties of all hues are asking for increase in quota [e.g. Samajwadi Party has asked for hike in OBC quota to a level in sync with its share in the population]. With 49.5% cap set by the apex court breached and given frenzy of demand, we could land up in a scenario whereby almost all jobs will be quota-driven.
This is a dangerous trend. It should be nipped in the bud. India needs a quota-free society sans some reservation solely only economic criteria. But, for now, given the inextricable connect between quota and vote-bank politics, this is a distant dream.