Patna | The issue of reservation has once again sparked a fresh debate in Bihar ‘s political circles. Dr. Santosh Kumar Suman, son of Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and a minister in the state government, has strongly demanded a fresh review of the reservation system. This statement by Santosh Suman, considered a prominent figure in Dalit politics, has raised the political temperature in the state.
Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) National President Santosh Suman clarified his position, stating that demanding a review of the reservation system does not necessarily mean its abolition. His real objective is to assess whether, even after so many years of independence, the true benefits of this crucial constitutional provision are reaching the lowest and most vulnerable. He emphasized that the true benefits of reservation, as envisioned by Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, must be ensured to reach every poor and marginalized individual.
Santosh Suman also fully supported the landmark Supreme Court decision that justified sub-categorization within SC-ST reservations. He argued that the entire Dalit community is not in a uniform economic and social status, and that significant differences exist within the community.
Some Dalit castes have progressed by taking advantage of education and opportunities, while many sub-castes remain far from the mainstream of development and remain extremely backward. Therefore, sub-classification is crucial to bring those sections that have been left behind into the mainstream.
Citing the 79th anniversary of independence, the Bihar minister questioned why anyone should object to a review of the benefits received by each class after such a long period. Citing other systems already in place in the country, he said that EWS reservation has been implemented for the economically weaker sections within the general category, and that backward classes have been categorized as “backward” and “extremely backward.” Similarly, separate opportunities are needed to integrate the most deprived and exploited sections of the SC/ST into the mainstream.
