Q. What is affirmative action? Substantiate theoretical positions on affirmative actions with example. (2019)

Q. What is affirmative action? Substantiate theoretical positions on affirmative actions with example. (2019)

Introduction

Affirmative action refers to a set of policies and initiatives designed to help eliminate past and present discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. In the Indian context, affirmative action, also known as "reservations" or "positive discrimination," is a government policy that aims to uplift historically disadvantaged groups and ensure their representation in areas like education and employment.

1. First Phase (Starting in 1947): This phase was initiated post-independence with the aim to rectify the adverse conditions of victims subjected to caste-based discrimination. The focus was primarily on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) who had historically suffered from severe marginalization and oppression.
2. Second Phase: This phase began with the implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendations, which called for a 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The goal of this phase was to uplift socially and educationally disadvantaged classes, offering them increased opportunities for societal advancement.
3. Third Phase: The third phase brought a shift in the criteria for reservation. It introduced a 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), regardless of their caste or community. This phase recognized economic backwardness as a significant factor in societal disadvantage, and aimed to promote economic inclusivity.

• B. R. Ambedkar's perspective: B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, was an ardent advocate for affirmative action. He saw it as a necessary tool for rectifying historical injustices inflicted upon marginalized communities, especially the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• Sukhadeo Thorat's perspective: Sukhadeo Thorat defends caste-based reservations, asserting that they have significantly improved educational and employment opportunities for marginalized communities. He argues that the system has played a crucial role in promoting social equity and justice.
• Gail Omvedt's perspective: Gail Omvedt has written extensively about Dalits and the caste system in India. She supports affirmative action, arguing that it's necessary to help disadvantaged groups overcome deeply rooted historical injustices.
• T.K. Oommen's perspective: T.K. Oommen argues that affirmative action is necessary to rectify historical disadvantages and ensure equal opportunities. He suggests that the goal should be equality of outcomes, rather than just equality of opportunity.
• Marc Galanter's perspective: In his landmark book, "Competing Equalities: Law and the Backward Classes in India", American sociologist Marc Galanter argues that the Indian state, through policies such as reservations, provides "compensatory discrimination" to help disadvantaged groups overcome their marginalization. He supports affirmative action, stating that it is required to balance the scales and promote equality in Indian society.

• M. N. Srinivas's perspective: M. N. Srinivas cautioned that caste-based reservations could reinforce caste identities, which could hinder the progress towards a more caste-less society.
• Andre Béteille's perspective: Andre Béteille holds a similar view to Srinivas. He argues that reservation policies can result in 'competitive backwardness,' where communities vie for backward status to avail benefits. He further believes that affirmative action, particularly caste-based reservations, could solidify caste identities instead of dismantling them.
• Dipankar Gupta's perspective: Dipankar Gupta argues that reservations should be linked to economic status rather than caste. He contends that affirmative action in its current form contributes to the maintenance of caste identities, instead of helping in moving beyond them.
• Satish Deshpande's perspective: Satish Deshpande, while acknowledging the importance of affirmative action, criticizes its execution. He believes that the primary beneficiaries of the reservation system are often the relatively better-off members within disadvantaged groups, leading to a situation he terms 'the creamy layer problem.'