Reservation in India has its history since 1932 when for the first time reservation was given to depressed classes after a negotiations between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar which led to signing of “Poona Pact” in 1932.
After Indian Independence, reservation to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe was given and said that reservation will continue for only 10 years but it got renewed every 10 years and current reservation for SCs and STs expires in 2020 if it is not renewed.
In 1979, Prime Minister Morarji Desai appointed “Mandal” Commission with the task to find out the social and economical backward community. Commission submitted its report in 1980. It recommended 27% for OBCs but the recommendation was implemented by V.P. Singh Government in 1990.
Again in 1991, Narasimha Rao Government introduced two changes
- In 27% reservation poorer will be given priority
- Another 10% reservation for the community which is not covered in any reservation based on financial status i.e., economic backwardness.
Although in the famous Mandal Case 1980, Supreme Court upheld the 27% reservation to OBCs but strikes down another 10% reservation clause and laid down certain condition for reservation
- Creamy layer should be excluded from the OBCs list
- Reservation should be only for initial selection, not for the promotions
- Total reservation should not exceed 50% except in some extraordinary situation.
After the long journey of reservation in India, current reservations in Center is 50% and in States it is not uniform.
Reservation in Center is as follow
| Category | Reservation percentage |
| Scheduled Caste | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe | 8% |
| Other Backward class | 27% |
| Total | 50% |