Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative actions envisaged by the constitution. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)

 

                                      UPSC Mains 2024 ( Indian society)

Question : Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative actions envisaged by the constitution. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)

Approach  § Define affirmative action and its significance. § Discuss the existing affirmative policies in India. § Highlight the key challenges for its effective implementation. § Suggest measures to improve the effectiveness of affirmative action. § Conclude Suitably.

Answer :

Affirmative action refers to a set of policies and practices aimed at increasing the representation and opportunities of historically marginalized and disadvantaged groups in various sectors, including education, employment, and politics.

Existing Affirmative Action Policies in India

• Political Representation:
• Articles 330, 332, and 243D reserve seats for SCs and STs in Parliament, State Assemblies, and Panchayats, respectively.
• Education and Employment Opportunities:
• Articles 15(4) and 16(4) allow reservations in government jobs for disadvantaged groups.
• The Right to Education Act, of 2009 ensures free, compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14, reducing barriers for underprivileged sections.
• Holistic Development:
• The National Food Security Act (NFSA) ensures access to subsidized food grains for vulnerable populations.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana provides affordable housing for urban and rural poor
• Skill India Mission enhances the employability of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Key Challenges

• Elite Capture: Dominance of wealthy individuals in reserved categories limits benefits for the truly marginalized.
• Caste-Based Politics: Politicization of reservations can cause conflicts and hinder implementation.
• Corruption: Mismanagement and corruption divert benefits away from intended recipients.
• Awareness: Lack of knowledge about reservation benefits leads to underutilization.
• Social Stigma: Persistent biases hinder the integration of marginalized communities.
• Resistance: Critics argue reservations compromise meritocracy, sparking backlash and social tensions.

Potential Reforms:

• Enforce penalties for non-compliance with reservation norms.
• Introduce income criteria to benefit the economically disadvantaged.
• States can sub-classify SCs within the 15% quota.
• Launch awareness campaigns on inclusion and discrimination.
• Consider socio-educational status for equitable distribution.
• Include religious minorities, transgender individuals, and the disabled in affirmative action policies.

Conclusion 

The affirmative action policy serves as a crucial tool for fostering a strong and inclusive society in India, but its effectiveness hinges on its ability to genuinely uplift the most marginalized sections of society.