Abstract

Why does the upper caste believe that caste-based discrimination doesn’t exist? The debate surrounding caste-based reservations in India remains contentious, with arguments often centering on whether caste should be the sole criterion for affirmative action. Critics argue that economic status should also be considered, yet they often overlook the deep-seated caste-based discrimination that continues to persist. This paper argues in favor of retaining caste as a primary factor in reservations by analyzing structural inequalities, inadequate representation in key institutions, and ongoing caste-based violence. Through an examination of insights shared in a podcast featuring Ranveer Allahbadia and Rajiv Malhotra, this paper critiques Malhotra’s one-dimensional approach to the issue, highlighting the continued privilege associated with upper-caste identities regardless of economic status. Statistical evidence on caste-based disparities in employment, education, and judiciary appointments demonstrates existing policies' failure to achieve true equity. Furthermore, the paper discusses real-life cases of caste discrimination, from rural villages to high-profile incidents, emphasizing how caste identity shapes social mobility. While acknowledging the flaws in the current reservation system, this paper asserts that caste-based affirmative action remains essential in dismantling centuries-old hierarchies and ensuring substantive equality.