India's Struggle for Social Justice

The article discusses the systemic barriers that hinder the equitable representation of marginalized communities in public institutions, particularly in central universities of India. It highlights issues related to the implementation of reservation policies mandated by the Indian Constitution aimed at promoting social justice and inclusivity.

Key Points:

• Constitutional Mandate: The Indian Constitution emphasizes social justice, requiring equitable representation of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in public institutions.

• Reservation Quotas:

  • 15% for SCs
  • 7.5% for STs
  • 27% for OBCs
  • 10% for EWS

• Vacancies in Faculty Positions:

  • As of April 2021, reported vacancies in reserved posts included:
    • 2,389 for SCs
    • 1,199 for STs
    • 4,251 for OBCs across 45 central universities.
  • A 2023 UGC report indicates that nearly 30% of reserved teaching posts in central universities remain unfilled, especially at senior levels (associate professors, professors).

• Comparison with Other Sectors: Unlike the public sector (railways and banks), which fill lower-tier reserved posts (Group C and D), senior academic positions remain predominantly occupied by individuals from unreserved categories.

• Factors for Non-Fulfilling Reserved Posts:

  • Autonomy of Institutions: Central universities and institutes maintain autonomy, affecting compliance with reservation policies.
  • 13-Point Roster System (2018): This system has decreased the number of reserved positions, leading to legal challenges and protests, especially as smaller departments can't fulfill reservation quotas effectively.
  • Bias in Selection: Allegations of bias in recruitment, where qualified candidates from marginalized backgrounds are often rejected based on vague criteria. A study by Ambedkar University Faculty Association (2022) indicated that over 60% of reserved vacancies were due to such discretionary rejections.
  • Biased Appointments: Evidence suggests appointments may prioritize political affiliations over merit, undermining the transparency of the recruitment process.

• Need for Reform:

  • Enforcement of UGC Guidelines: Implementing stricter adherence to reservation policies is essential for accountability.
  • Revisiting the Roster System: Addressing the limitations of the 13-point system is critical, especially in light of ongoing Supreme Court hearings.
  • Diversity in Selection Committees: Recruitment should focus on standardizing criteria and ensuring committee diversity to combat biases.
  • Political Will and Outreach: Proactive measures must be taken to enforce social justice principles beyond political rhetoric.

• Conclusion: The article argues that unfilled reserved faculty posts damage India's goal of an inclusive education system, as universities play a crucial role in societal transformation. The National Education Policy 2020 calls for an inclusive and multidisciplinary approach, necessitating alignment with recruitment practices that prioritize marginalized communities.

Published: July 02, 2025
Author: Harish S. Wankhede, Assistant Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

This analysis emphasizes the gap between policy and implementation regarding social justice in Indian academic institutions, highlighting the need for substantive improvements to align with constitutional mandates.