Reservations for Other Backward Classes in Jammu and Kashmir: An Impact Assessment
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/00195561221123738 |
| Published date | 01 March 2023 |
| Date | 01 March 2023 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
Reservations for Other
Backward Classes in
Jammu and Kashmir:
An Impact Assessment
Pankaj Dabgotra1 and Bhawna Gupta1
Abstract
Reservation is a system of affirmative action that provides historically disadvan-
taged groups representation in education, employment and politics in India. This
research article assesses the impact of reservations on the economic and edu-
cational condition of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Jammu and Kashmir
(J&K). The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 20041 provided for the reserva-
tions in appointments, and admissions in professional institutions to socially and
educationally backward classes of the State. The theoretical framework and his-
torical underpinnings of reservations in India have been examined based on sec-
ondary data and a survey of OBC beneficiaries (through purposive sampling) in
the Jammu district done to assess the impact on the target groups. The authors
find that the present approach to reservations has shown dismal improvement
in the economic and educational lots of the OBCs in J&K. There is a need for a
rational criterion for identifying the beneficiaries and proportionate quantum of
reservations. A holistic and integrated approach for addressing lacunas in policy
will help bring the required change.
Keywords
Affirmative action, reservations, Other Backward Classes, Jammu and Kashmir
Introduction
Armative action or reservation can be viewed as a programme of compensation
for historical injustices (Deshpande, 2006, p. 5). Reservation is a positive tool to
achieve the societal goal of overcoming profound inequalities of opportunity.
Article
Indian Journal of Public
Administration
69(1) 161–175, 2023
© 2022 IIPA
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DOI: 10.1177/00195561221123738
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1 Department of Public Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
Corresponding author:
Pankaj Dabgotra, Department of Public Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India.
E-mail: pankajdabgotra03@gmail.com
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