From Affirmative Action to Political Instrument: A Critical Review of Reservation Policy

Author(s)	Mr. Sarang Damani
Country	India
Abstract	Caste-based reservation has been practiced in India since the Constitution came into effect. The rationale for establishing caste-based reservations in India, as noted by Tavleen Singh, was a "vital gesture of atonement for the injustices inflicted upon the lower castes" (Singh). The architect of our Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, intended reservations to last only 10 years; however, they continue to persist. Many have often confused the right to reservation with a fundamental right. The Supreme Court has consistently affirmed that the right to reservation is not a fundamental right. The state and central governments have the discretion to make and revoke reservations at any given point. Youths from backward classes have the false impression that they no longer need to work hard. When establishing reservations, it was not just a required affirmative action, it was a crucial step for those deprived of the right to education and social equality. However, the time for reservations has now passed. Reservations have caused more problems than they have resolved.
Keywords	Article 14, Census, Mandal Commission, Creamy layer
Field	Sociology > Politics
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-02-18

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research