STRUCTURE

• Introduction – A short introduction to 124 constitution amendment   (15 words)                     
• Body – evaluate how 124 constitution amendment will benefit women (120 words)
• Conclusion – Mention a short conclusion  (15 words)

ANSWER

Constitution 124th Amendment Bill, 2019 provides ten per cent reservation to the economically weaker sections (EWS) in the General category. The bill facilitates reservation for EWS in direct recruitments in jobs and admission in higher educational institutions.

The reservation of EWS of general category will be given without tampering the existing quotas for SC, ST and OBCs people.

HOW WILL IT BENEFIT WOMEN

• In India, a total of 49.5% of seats are reserved on the basis of caste. In other words, 22.5% of available seats are for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Out of 22.5%, 7.5% and 15% reservations for scheduled tribes (STs) scheduled castes [SCs] respectively. Further, 27% is allocated for other backward classes [OBC]. In addition to this, reservation based on financial status is added which ultimately increased the reservation seats to 59.5%. However, there is a reduction in the open category or merit seats from 50.5% to 40.5%. This will be a hinderance to women in particular.
• The 10% quota is progressive and could address the issues of educational and income inequality in India
• The reservation criteria should be economic because there are many people or class other than backward classes who are living under hunger and poverty-stricken conditions.
• The proposed reservation through a constitutional amendment would give constitutional recognition to the women belonging to poor households from the upper castes.
• Once the quota comes into effect, job aspirants (especially UPSC) from a general category would get similar relaxations given to OBCs.

Moreover, it will gradually remove the stigma associated with reservation because reservation has historically been related with caste and most often the upper caste look down upon those who come through the reservation