Reservation was supposed to provide more equitable access to scarce resources in education and employment. Women continue to be doubly disempowered within the reserved category, and targeted by families for marrying into a lower caste. The Congress government which came to power implemented reservation in government employment and in higher education, and decided to ignore Ambedkar’s opinion on abolishing reserved seats in elected bodies. There has been considerable empowerment of those from the lower castes. Creating more opportunities for everyone continues to remain the weakest link in India’s journey towards becoming a more equitable society.

Source: Indian Express June 30, 2019 20:15 UTC