Democracy is a state of society characterized by formal equality of rights and privileges. It is about giving equal opportunity to all citizens irrespective of their caste, creed, color, and religion.

Indian policy makers believe that giving reservations to the underprivileged section of society is the only means to motivate them to study, take up opportunities and contribute towards the growth of nation. They believe that reserving seats for SC, ST, OBCs and other religious minority groups in higher education institutes and government jobs is the only way to bring at par the groups who have suffered discrimination for centuries.

Recently, the Supreme Court of India gave a landmark judgment in a pending case and upheld the government’s move for initiating 27% OBC quotas in all government-funded institutions, including institutions of higher education. Implementation of this will enables the government to reserve upto 49.5% of the seats in all central universities, prestigious professional schools, and elite colleges. However, many experts differ on this.

Experts believe that instead of giving reservations in higher education institutions, the government should strive to make primary education and higher education accessible to all, as there are many students who are talented and belong to a higher caste but are poor and cannot afford to study if not helped financially.