Affirmative Action in New India: Evaluation of Caste-Based Reservation Policy and Debate Around Economic Criteria

This article aims to examine the role of affirmative action policies in achieving desired outcomes among India’s Scheduled Castes in employment, education, health, and governance. It also addresses how economic criteria are not suitable for it and the problems associated with India’s affirmative action policies. The article reveals that a significant gap persists among castes, and caste is an important indicator of socio-economic backwardness. Thus, affirmative action policies should be maintained and enforced in order to realise the dream of an inclusive society.