Prejudice against Reservation Policies

Based on data and theory, this paper critically examines the validity of popular arguments against reservation policies, namely, that reservation has bypassed the poor, that it has reduced efficiency, that economic criteria are better than caste and that there should be a time limit for the application of reservation policies. The paper exposes the weak empirical and theoretical basis of these arguments and the prejudices underlying them. It also makes suggestions to reform reservation policies to extend them to private employment and education, and proposes a reparation policy to compensate for the wilful denial of the right to property and education to the former untouchables.