Dalit affirmative action has been a key instrument in improving social mobility for Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India. Through reservation in education, employment, and political institutions, these policies aim to correct historical injustice and reduce caste-based inequality.
Affirmative action refers to government-led policies designed to uplift historically marginalized communities. In India, Dalits are included under Scheduled Castes (SC), and they receive constitutionally protected reservation benefits to ensure equal participation in society.
| Policy Area | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Education Reservation | 15% seats reserved for SC students in government institutions | Increased university and professional education access |
| Employment Quotas | 15% reservation in government jobs for SC candidates | Economic stability and entry into skilled professions |
| Political Reservation | Reserved constituencies in Parliament & State Assemblies | Improved political representation and leadership |
| Welfare Schemes | Scholarships, skill training, entrepreneurship loans | Support for upward social and economic mobility |
While affirmative action has improved outcomes, several challenges remain:
Affirmative action must be strengthened through better implementation, private-sector inclusion, quality education reforms, and awareness programs. True social mobility will come when equality becomes structural, not conditional.