To bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, India is relying on caste-based affirmative action in order to create advancement opportunities for the underprivileged.
India is developing more categories for its underclass in order to decide who should benefit. One group of beneficiaries that is growing is the list of backward classes that are entitled to 27 percent of central-government jobs and university admissions, as well as state jobs.
According to reports, officials currently are working on adding close to 200 more groups to the list of backward classes.
While the opportunities for the poor to benefit from caste-based affirmative action exist, they are not guaranteed. Many people from backward classes are unable to meet educational requirements that are needed to be hired.
Additionally, this system is often criticized for perpetuating ancient divisions that have maintained resentment among India’s population.