If casteism ends, we are ready to give up reservation: Athawale
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale stated that the government is willing to end reservation policies only once casteism is fully eliminated from society. He defended the current quota system as a constitutional necessity for protecting weaker sections.
Why it matters
The statement reflects the ongoing political discourse in India regarding the future of affirmative action and social justice policies.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday said opposing quota is against the Constitution, and asserted that if casteism ends, “we are ready to give up reservation”.
Opposing reservation is not right, the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment told reporters at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, after arriving on a day-long visit to Chhattisgarh.
Asked about the ongoing debates in parts of the country over reservation, including demands for its removal or amendment, Athawale said the policy was introduced to strengthen the country by providing opportunities to weaker sections.
"When casteism ends, we are ready to give up reservation," said the Minister, a prominent Dalit leader who heads the Republican Party of India (A).
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