Affirmative action under siege: A tale of two major democracies

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₹800,000 (just under $10,000) per year and cannot be members of SC, ST or OBC groups. More than 98% of Indians, [as estimated, would qualify for it if only that income cut-off were to apply]. By focusing solely on economic conditions, rather than marginalization and discrimination based on social identity, the new EWS quota effectively turned the original reservation policy on its head.

It was challenged in court for excluding SCs, STs and OBCs, but in November 2022, India’s Supreme Court upheld the programme’s validity. For the first time since India gained independence, disproportionately poor groups—those with the highest percentage of individuals below the poverty line—are excluded from a quota that is, in principle, meant to target economic deprivation. The EWS reservation is presented as being based on economic criteria and not identity.

But in reality, it is very much a caste-based quota, specifically targeting groups that do not suffer any discrimination, and, in fact, rank the highest on the social scale of ritual purity. The Indian government has effectively created a quota for the upper castes (all but the top earners qualify). Affirmative action policies in the US and India were created to address historical discrimination and promote social justice.

Over time, they led to increased representation and opportunities for marginalized communities. But this guiding principle has dimmed considerably, leaving little hope of creating a level playing field in either country. ©2023/project syndicate"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels