India’s Reservation Policy at a Crossroads

The reservation policy in India is a system of affirmative action that gives a percentage of seats in government jobs, educational institutions, and political bodies to socially and economically disadvantaged citizens.

1. Supreme Court’s Landmark Observations on Reservation In a significant move, a Supreme Court bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih recently underscored the need to exclude beneficiaries who no longer require affirmative action. Citing the 75-year history of reservations, the bench emphasized: “Persons who have already availed benefits and are in a position … Read more

India’s Lateral Entry Scheme: Challenges, Controversies, and the Road Ahead

The Lateral Entry Scheme’s fate hinges on the Modi government’s ability to navigate competing priorities. While reservations address equity concerns, diluting merit risks defeating the scheme’s original purpose.

Introduction The Indian government unveiled the Lateral Entry Scheme, a revolutionary policy aimed at transforming the country’s bureaucracy by injecting private-sector expertise into mid-level roles. The goal was ambitious: to modernize governance, accelerate decision-making, and bridge the gap between India’s policymaking elite and grassroots realities. Fast forward to 2024, and the scheme lies in tatters. After … Read more