Reservations and Social Justice in the Goal of Viksit Bharat 2047

Abstract

Background: The reservation system in India has been a focal tool in attaining social justice and inclusive development. Established during the colonial era and enshrined in the constitution since independence, it has changed under different amendments, commissions, and policy interventions to accommodate past inequalities of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backwards Classes (OBCs). Objective: The paper will look into the question of whether the modern reservation system is efficient in promoting social justice and the inclusive development of India, especially with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. It also discusses the new issues like fair allocation, efficiency issues and why reform is necessary. Method: The research follows a doctrinal and analytical research approach using constitutional provisions, legislative changes, policy reports (including the Mandal Commission) and recent additions like the introduction of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservations and women's political repre-sentation. Secondary data and literature in academic sources are critically examined in order to evaluate the efficiency and weaknesses of the reservation system. Key Findings: The study finds that the reservations have significantly contributed to increasing access to education and public employment and political representation of historically marginalised groups, which has led to substantive equality. However, there remain structural issues, including benefits distribu-tion imbalances (creamy layers problems), inaccessibility to the poorest groups, and questions as to whether to make reservations in other sectors of the economy, including the job market in the private sector. Moreover, the recent changes in the policies (EWS quota and women reservation) also point to a tendency to expand inclusivity but also bring up concerns about the social justice-merit and efficiency balance. Conclusion: The reservation system continues to be an essential instrument to advocate social justice and democratic inclusion in India. However, in order to keep pace with the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047, reforms need to be made to have more focused, equitable, and efficient implementation. The balanced approach, which involves social justice as well as economic development, will be critical towards inclusive nation-building.