Classes, not individuals

Interesting point of view on classes, backwardness, castes and individuals: 'What is, however, argued is that it is not the `upper' castes or the social groups, but the poor individuals in the groups who should be entitled to reservation. As has been pointed out earlier, reservation has been provided in the Constitution for `classes', not individuals. If the individuals have to be provided with reservation on the economic criterion, then those satisfying the said criterion and belonging to any caste and social group, irrespective of any distinction will be entitled to it, including the individuals belonging to the backward classes and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. For, such reservation will fall in the general category and all will be entitled to it whether there is reservation on other grounds or not. A backward class person may choose to apply for reservation on economic criterion, instead of the reservation made for his class, or if he does not get a seat on the basis of class reservation, he may claim a seat on economic grounds and if he is qualified for it, he cannot be denied the same. On the other hand, he may qualify for it better if the poorer are entitled to it. Since economic criteria, whatever these may be, will run common through all the social groups, it will be contrary to the right to equality and therefore unconstitutional to keep them confined to any particular social group or groups.'