Union minister says quota system rooted in Constitution to address caste discrimination; promises talks with protester
Amid renewed demands to scrap the reservation system, which sparked protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday, Union Minister Chirag Paswan firmly backed the policy, calling it a constitutional right rather than an act of charity.
The Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas) president said reservation cannot be ended simply because a section demands it, stressing that the provision was designed to bring communities facing historical caste-based discrimination into the mainstream. Speaking to reporters in Bihar, Paswan explained that Scheduled Castes are those listed in the Constitution based on the historical practice of untouchability, while Scheduled Tribes are communities identified for their distinct way of life, language, dress and customs rooted in their own traditions.
He said both categories were included in the Constitutional Schedule on this basis, and reservation was subsequently extended to them as a corrective measure, not a favour.
Paswan added that the government remains open to engaging with those protesting against the reservation system, indicating that dialogue would be pursued to address concerns raised by anti-reservation groups rather than dismissing the demonstrations outright.
The remarks come as debate over reservation reform continues to simmer, with protesters at Jantar Mantar pushing for changes to the existing quota framework, even as constitutional safeguards for SC/ST communities remain a politically sensitive and legally entrenched issue.
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