What do you understand by dominant caste? Why dominant castes in various states are asking for reservation.

Approach:

In the Introduction, Define the Dominant caste definition of MN Srinivas. Write about the functions of dominant caste. Add examples .

In the body, Present the data of castes which are demanding reservation despite being dominant. Ex. Jats, Gujjars,Patidars.

• Now address why there is a demand for Reservation. Explain the factors like probability of holding land, government jobs, Total years of education, economic backwardness though they are socially upward etc which favours the dominant castes to demand for reservation.
• Now argue why granting reservation to the dominant caste will not be a good idea.
• Add points on how reservation can lead to vote bank politics, further deprivation of poor and marginalized sections of society, Reservation will benefit the upper strata of the section etc.
• Add how still the dominant castes hold the land right and political rights even today in many parts of India. Add examples and data.
• Add Justice Rohini Committee findings on Sub categorization of OBC’s. “Less than 1% of OBC castes corner 50% reservation benefits, 20% get none, govt panel finds”.
• Add Court’s argument on Reservation: In Ashok Kumar Thakur v. Union of India, Justice Ravindran opined that when more people aspire for backwardness instead of forwardness, the Country itself stagnates.
• Suggest alternative measures that should be taken by Govt of India. Measures like limiting reservation to 1st time graduates, brining in creamy layer for SC’s and ST’s, refinement of OBC criteria ,delinking politics and caste, proper education and affirmative action.

In conclusion emphasis on the basic idea of reservation which aimed for affirmative action and social mobility which, in a long run turned into a weapon on the hands of political elites and  political power hunger