Who Wins, Who Loses? How Quotas are Redefining India’s Political Landscape

The complexities of caste-based reservations have always played a pivotal role in shaping India's political landscape. The BJP Government’s recent move in Haryana to implement the Supreme Court's judgment on Scheduled Caste (SC) sub-quotas marks a new chapter in this ongoing political strategy. The ruling overturns a 2004 decision that deemed sub-classifications within SCs impermissible, allowing the bifurcation of SCs into two distinct groups: Deprived Scheduled Castes (DSCs) and Other Scheduled Castes (OSCs).

The Re-Emergence of Sub-Quotas in India

This new division—giving half of the SC quota to DSCs and the other half to OSCs—aims to address internal inequalities within the broader SC group. However, it also raises concerns of further polarization, as empowered Dalits in the OSC category are resisting the move. The BJP's political maneuver is evident as they seek to carve out new voter bases within SC groups, historically aligned with anti-BJP parties. This effort is particularly critical as BJP's electoral success has grown with the SC vote, evidenced by their win in eight of 17 reserved seats in Haryana, a clear rise from their five-seat victory in 2019.

The Maharashtra government, a coalition of BJP, SS, and NCP (Ajit), has followed suit by setting up a committee to investigate the implementation of sub-quotas in the state. This decision highlights a broader strategy employed by the BJP to divide SC groups internally, positioning itself as a party committed to addressing Dalit aspirations while countering the Opposition’s caste census pitch.

The introduction of sub-quotas for Dalits is not just a political experiment, but it marks a significant shift in the mobilization dynamics within the community. Historically, parties like BSP, RPI in Maharashtra, and VCK in Tamil Nadu have gained influence by representing numerically dominant Dalit groups. With the new focus on sub-quotas, these parties may face challenges as weaker Dalit factions could gain a greater share of political representation.

But the bigger question is: will sub-classifications ensure true representation for the most marginalized within the SC umbrella? Will creamy layer exclusion—the process of excluding wealthier sections of these groups from the benefits—reshape the equality framework, shifting from a "doctrine of equality" to a "doctrine of classification"?

Sub-Categorization: A Step Towards Equality or Further Division?

In many ways, sub-categorization could promote social equity by ensuring that more marginalized sections of the SC population gain access to reservations. This is especially important in the context of backwardness determination, where those on the fringes of social and economic capital often find themselves outcompeted by better-off Dalit groups for jobs, education, and scholarships.

For example, in Punjab, where SCs constitute 32% of the population, sub-quotas were introduced as early as 1975, reserving 50% of the SC quota for Valmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs. In Tamil Nadu, the idea of sub-quotas has long been embedded in the state's social justice framework. Yet, the effectiveness of sub-quotas hinges on honest implementation—ensuring that benefits reach those truly in need.

The Limitations of Reservation Policies

While affirmative action through reservation policies is well-intentioned, sub-quotas alone cannot address the systemic issues plaguing social justice and education in India. The stark truth remains: reservations are a band-aid solution to the lack of quality education and equal opportunities for marginalized communities.

For example, despite quotas, the rehabilitation of manual scavengers continues to be a daunting challenge. The promise of social justice through reservations has often fallen short, as group identities have hardened, leading to internal divisions and resentment within communities. This has not only stoked caste rivalries but has also fueled quota certificate scams, where individuals falsify their caste identity to gain access to reserved jobs and education.

A critical blind spot in the reservation debate is the failure to address caste-based discrimination in schools and workplaces. The term “quota-wala” continues to be used derogatorily, and true assimilation of marginalized groups remains an unachieved goal. Furthermore, with shrinking job opportunities in the government sector and the elusive nature of private sector employment, reliance on reservation as a primary tool for livelihood security has become increasingly desperate.

A more pressing concern is the growing labor force. With India's employment growth lagging at 2.3%, while the labor force increases by 3.5% annually, joblessness is on the rise. This has left 15 million new job entrants annually in a precarious position, and in such an overcrowded market, where do quotas truly fit?

Moving Beyond Quotas

The conversation surrounding reservations needs to shift from a mere focus on headcount to more substantial policy reforms. True equality cannot be achieved by simply increasing quotas in education and jobs. Rather, the focus should be on ensuring that individuals from marginalized communities are given the tools and opportunities to compete on merit.

With Generation X and Generation Z constituting 50% of India's population, the narrative surrounding reservations must evolve. These young voters are increasingly merit-driven and want to compete in an overcrowded employment market on their own terms. They seek action over reaction, and political leaders need to acknowledge this generational shift in attitudes.

In the end, India's quota system has become a divisive and self-defeating tool, reflecting more on political number games than genuine efforts to uplift marginalized communities. The task of social justice requires far more than simply expanding reservation policies—it demands a complete overhaul of education systems, economic opportunities, and affirmative action frameworks.

Sub-categorization can be a positive step, but it is not the ultimate solution. To ensure real equality, India's leaders must focus on creating a level playing field and addressing the core inequalities that persist across caste lines.