Reservation Not Charity, Says Chirag Paswan Amid Anti-Quota Protests

Union Minister Chirag Paswan has defended the reservation system amid protests against caste-based quotas at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, saying reservations cannot be abolished simply because some groups demand their removal. Speaking to reporters at Patna airport before leaving for Delhi, Paswan described reservation as a constitutional provision aimed at addressing historical social discrimination and promoting inclusion. He also rejected the idea that reservation should be viewed as charity or a concession given to particular communities.

Paswan said the reservation system was created to support sections of society that had faced discrimination and exclusion over generations. He particularly referred to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, pointing out that the Constitution recognises their disadvantaged position and provides safeguards intended to improve their representation and participation. According to him, the continuing presence of social discrimination demonstrates why discussions around social justice and affirmative action remain relevant.

The minister's comments came as student groups and other protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar demanding changes to the reservation system. The protesters have raised concerns about the existing quota framework and have called for an end to reservations based on caste. Paswan, however, maintained that such a major constitutional provision cannot simply be removed in response to street demands, stressing that the issue needs to be understood within the broader history of social inequality.

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Paswan also said disagreements over reservation should be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation. Responding to questions about remarks made by Union minister Ramdas Athawale regarding the protesters, he said those opposing the system were entitled to express their concerns. At the same time, he argued that discussions could help protesters understand the reasons behind reservation and why the policy continues to be considered necessary for social inclusion.

While explaining his position, Paswan pointed to continuing instances of social discrimination as evidence that questions of equality and representation remain unresolved. He referred to an incident in Uttarakhand involving Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge while discussing the persistence of discriminatory practices. His remarks underlined his argument that reservation should be viewed as part of a wider effort to address structural disadvantages rather than simply as a benefit distributed to individuals.

The debate over reservation remains politically and socially sensitive, with supporters arguing that affirmative action is necessary to address historical exclusion and critics seeking greater emphasis on economic criteria and merit. Paswan's latest remarks firmly place him in support of the existing constitutional framework while leaving room for discussion on its implementation. He reiterated that concerns surrounding reservation can be discussed, but its continuation cannot be decided merely on the basis of demands made by one section of society.

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