Is it Time to Rethink Caste-Based Reservation in Urban India?

Gone are the days of untouchability and overt Brahmin superiority. In fact, nobody bothers about your caste in any social setting here anymore. But when it comes to government benefits, a promotion, a spot in higher education, or a competitive job, the privilege often goes to a second-generation beneficiary of one of the reserved categories.

These are young people born and raised with affluence, who have access to the best education and upbringing. Yet, when it’s time for a competitive selection, they use their reservation card. In present day India, the toppers of many competitive exams are, in fact, these second-generation reservation beneficiaries, and they’re still entitled to special privileges.

This has created a strange reality. There’s now a competition to get a reservation certificate. Often the lowest revenue official has the authority to swing your caste and income certificate in your favor.

EWS – Economically Weaker Section scheme is a new confusion.

Instead of abolishing the privileges for the second generation Beneficiaries of reservation system, Government of India has complicated the issue by introducing benefits for the Economically Weaker Section in the higher castes. People of the upper castes have gone to any end to get an EWS certificate in their favour.

EWS certificate scheme has boosted the income of the revenue people at ground level.

Parents have divorced, so that their child can get a EWS certificate from the mother’s income.

Number of urban children having only Agricultural income as livelihood has multiplied.

I don’t know other Jugads to get an EWS or non Creamy income certificate to access this reservation.
Best is getting married to a reserved category, so that your grand children get the privilege.

Frankly, in urban India today, it’s the upper caste that is truly oppressed. Modern India respects your position, your financial status, and your connections—not your caste. If your boss belongs to the reservation category, are you really going to worry about your caste or his?

What are your thoughts?