Social Inclusion — Policy Reforms

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments	1992	These amendments constitutionalized Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) respectively, making them mandatory units of local self-governance. They mandated reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women (not less than one-third) in these bodies, including for the position of chairperson.	Significantly enhanced political inclusion for marginalized groups and women at the grassroots level, ensuring their representation and participation in local decision-making processes. This was a major step towards decentralizing power and making governance more representative and responsive to local needs.
103rd Constitutional Amendment Act	2019	This amendment introduced 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) among the general category in government jobs and educational institutions. It amended Articles 15 and 16 to allow the state to make special provisions for the advancement of any economically weaker sections of citizens.	Expanded the scope of affirmative action beyond social and educational backwardness to include economic criteria. This marked a significant shift in India's reservation policy, aiming to address economic exclusion among those not covered by existing caste-based reservations. Its constitutional validity has been upheld by the Supreme Court.