community toolkit 7

If you've ever felt confused or conflicted about the concept of reservation, you're not alone. Toolkit #7 unpacks one of India’s most misunderstood yet crucial concepts—reservation. This toolkit is designed to provide clarity on why reservation is not just necessary, but essential to achieving fairness and equity in society. We explore the distinction between equality and equity, the historical context of reservation, and why it's a key tool for social change in India.

We cover everything from the basic principles of reservation to the identification of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The toolkit also delves into how reservation extends to economically weaker sections (EWS), women, and the transgender community, supported by data that highlights the importance of inclusive policies. Personal stories of those who have experienced caste-based discrimination further underscore the need for reservation and the impact it has on real lives.

In addition, we examine the legal and constitutional frameworks that sustain reservation policies in India, providing a timeline and discussing key safeguards. We also address the relationship between casteism and street harassment, showing how reservation can be part of broader societal change. The toolkit confronts common myths, critiques of the reservation system, and offers policy recommendations for improvement, empowering readers to become active allies in the fight against casteism and injustice.