Reservation in India is the process of setting aside a certain percentage of seats in government institutions for members of backward and under-represented communities which is defined primarily by caste and tribe. Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) are the primary beneficiaries of the reservation policies under the Constitution. Reservation has always been an issue of debate in India since its inception post independence. Everyone talks about it, from a common man to a high profile Political leader, some supporting it, some speaking against it, but no one seems to go deep into the matter or do anything about it. IBN-Lokmat through its documentary series Maharashtra: Kal, Aaj ani Udya will bring to its viewers the detailed discussion about the topic in the first episode of the series which revolves around Reservation politics. Tune in to IBN-Lokmat from 20th September, every Saturday at 9:30 pm and repeat telecast on Sunday at 12 pm and 11 pm.
The reservation system has received mixed responses from Indians since it came into existence. It has been praised for fading the gaps between the upper and lower castes by which they allow the lower caste to enjoy the opportunities as availed by upper castes in the segments such as education, job, governance etc. It has also been criticised and has been under close scrutiny for discouraging a merit-based system and encouraging vote bank politics. In fact the situation is such now, that everyone including the upper class is feeling the need for reservation.
Today, out of 543 seats in India's parliament, 84 (18.42%) are reserved for SC/Dalits and 47 (8.66%) for ST/Tribes. Allocations of seats for Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the assemblies are made on the basis of proportion of Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the State concerned to that of the total population. Tune in to IBN-Lokmat on 20th September Saturday to watch the documentary series, exploring Reservation politics in Maharashtra: Kal, Aaj ani Udya at 9:30 pm and Sunday 21st September at 12 pm and 11 pm for its repeat telecast.