27% Reservation — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
Supreme Court upholds sub-categorization of OBCs in State reservation lists
May 2024The Supreme Court's recent judgment allowing states to create sub-categories within OBC reservation has significant implications for the 27% central reservation policy. This development addresses long-standing demands from the most backward communities within OBCs who argued that the current system benefits only the relatively advanced OBC communities. The judgment opens the possibility for similar sub-categorization in central government reservation, potentially leading to a more nuanced implementation of the 27% quota. This connects directly to ongoing debates about the effectiveness of current reservation policies and the need for more targeted interventions to ensure benefits reach the most deserving communities.
UPSC Angle: Expected questions on federal aspects of reservation policy, comparative analysis of state vs central approaches to OBC reservation, and the constitutional validity of sub-categorization within reserved categories
Government announces review of OBC creamy layer income limit amid inflation concerns
March 2024The government's decision to review the creamy layer income limit for OBC reservation reflects the dynamic nature of the 27% reservation policy and its adaptation to changing economic conditions. The current limit of ₹8 lakh annual income, set in 2017, has faced criticism for not accounting for inflation and rising living costs. This review connects to broader questions about the effectiveness of income-based exclusions in reservation policies and the challenge of balancing inclusivity with targeted benefits. The outcome of this review will directly impact who can access the 27% reservation, potentially expanding or contracting the beneficiary pool.
UPSC Angle: Questions on policy implementation challenges, the relationship between economic and social criteria in reservation, and the administrative aspects of affirmative action policies