How will the caste census and Rahul Gandhi's demand affect private schools and institutions?

The Modi government has approved a caste census, a step that may usher in a major change in the nation's reservation policies. The development has been embraced by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has called for the elimination of the 50% cap on reservation and the implementation of reservation in private institutions.

The Caste Census

The caste census will enumerate all the castes in the nation, giving a complete picture of the population of every caste at the national level. This information can be utilized to re-evaluate the reservation policies and possibly raise the quota for some groups.

Rahul Gandhi's demand

Rahul Gandhi has taken heart with the decision of caste census and demanded the removal of the 50% cap on reservation. He has also insisted on the implementation of reservation in private institutions based on Article 15(5) of the Constitution that makes provision for reservation in private educational institutions.

Effect on private schools and colleges

If the demand of Rahul Gandhi is followed, private schools and colleges might be affected very much. Implementation of reservation in private institutions might result in the increase of students belonging to backward castes in these institutions.

The constitutional provision

Article 15(5) of the Constitution makes a provision for reservation in private educational institutions. Reservation in the private sector has been supported by the Congress party, and a resolution for it has been brought by them.

Current reservation policy

Today, the reservation system in India offers 15% reservation for Scheduled Castes, 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes, 27% for Other Backward Classes, and 10% for Economically Weaker Sections.

Potential impact

The caste census and Rahul Gandhi's call could actually result in a big change in India's reservation policies. If the 50% cap on reservation is lifted, it may result in more seats being reserved in government jobs and educational institutions. The implementation of reservation in private institutions may also result in a more heterogeneous student population in private schools and colleges.

Reservation policies will remain a political hotspot

The caste census and Rahul Gandhi's insistence have the ability to bring tectonic shifts in India's reservation policies. Whatever be the impact of these changes, one thing is certain that the politics on reservation policies will remain a political hotspot in India.