What are the constitutional provisions for the reservation system in India

Understand the constitutional framework that enables reservation system in the country.
The reservation system in India is enabled through several constitutional provisions. They include:
  • Article 15(4): This provision allows the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, including their admission to educational institutions.
  • Article 16(4): It allows the State to provide reservations for backward classes in appointments to public offices to ensure adequate representation.
  • Article 46: This article urges the State to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections of society, especially the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.
  • Article 330 and 332: These articles provide for reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
  • The 73rd and 74th Amendments: These amendments introduced reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women in the Panchayats and Municipalities.
These constitutional provisions lay the foundation for the reservation system in India, intended to ensure social justice and equal opportunities for marginalized communities.
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