The idea of instigating reservation systems in educational backgrounds was to promote equality and to raise the quality of life of the scheduled tribes and castes and the OBCs of India and to promote literacy in these classes but unfortunately, the notion of reservation system has changed now and it is worrisome that instead of laying the path for the development of our nation, it is the very essence fuelling the decay of this country.
Reservations have been an integral part of the Indian higher education system. Over many years, students who belong to the reserved categories, Scheduled castes, Scheduled tribes and Other Backward Classes, OBCs have been admitted to reputable colleges and universities of India based on quota. Indian higher education institutions, 15% and 7.5% are reserved for SC and ST category candidates, respectively. Apart from that, 27% of the total seats are reserved for the OBC students by the government. It is observed that a total of 49.5% of seats have been sorted for the reservation in the Indian higher education system which leaves only a meager 50.5% seats available for the entirety of the general candidates.
The reservation system came into existence as it was introduced by the idea of Dr. B R Ambedkar who was of the Drafting Committee of India after Independence. The main objective behind the introduction of this idea was the enlightenment of the backward and the deprived section of the Indian society and to provide them better education and equal opportunities as the other sections of the society. However, now the situation has entirely changed. Reservation in the higher education system has taken an ugly turn now and caused rifts between different sections of society. Meritorious students with better knowledge are unable to avail themselves of opportunities in higher education whereas students who could not make it to merit but belong to the reserved classes are enjoying the opportunities given to them and study in top-notch colleges and institutions of the country.
While the ones from the reserved community who requires reservation are not being able to afford it, the ones who are affluent do still use reservation for their benefit.
