Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a strong advocate for affirmative action policies in India, including reservation policies for historically marginalized and oppressed communities. Ambedkar played a significant role in the drafting of India’s Constitution, which included provisions for reservation in education and government jobs for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
The reservation policy, also known as affirmative action, aims to provide equal opportunities to marginalized and underrepresented communities by reserving a certain percentage of seats in educational institutions and government jobs. This policy is implemented through a quota system, whereby a certain percentage of seats or jobs are reserved for SC, ST, and OBC candidates.
Ambedkar believed that reservation policies were necessary to address the centuries of discrimination and oppression faced by these communities, and to provide them with equal opportunities to succeed. He believed that the policy would help to ensure that these communities had representation in government and other important institutions, which would lead to greater social and economic mobility.
Today, the reservation policy in India includes a reservation of 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, and 27% for OBC candidates in government jobs and educational institutions. The policy has been controversial, with some arguing that it perpetuates caste-based discrimination and others arguing that it is necessary to address historical injustices and promote social justice. However, Ambedkar’s advocacy for reservation policies has been widely recognized as an important step towards creating a more just and equitable society in India.