Dynamics of reservation policy / edited by Haroobhai Mehta and Hasmukh Patel

A debate is on. The subject is "Reservations for the Backward Classes". The present book containing (collection of) articles and papers on the question of reservation, most of which have been written at a time when the state of Gujarat is undergoing a turmoil on the issue of reservations for the backward classes will undoubtedly constitute an useful contribution to the de bate which has already assumed a national character.

The Republican Constitution of India gives a clarion call for en suring equality to all. It contains specific provisions enjoining the state not to deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws. As a corollary the Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, castes. sex or place of birth and directs that there shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the state.

The equality envisaged in the Constitution is obviously not meant to be in a static sense, that is, aiming at the maintenance of status quo by freezing the social order at the stage where it was at the time of enactment of the Constitution for the people. The equality envisaged here is in its dynamic sense recognising glaring social and economic inequalities and calling for con scious and effective efforts of the state to achieve equality.