Causes for caste based inequality: Causes for caste based inequality:

(a) Varnashrama system: Since ancient period Varna system is prevalent. It is based on their profession as Brahmin. Kshatriya, Vysya and Shudras. Gradually it was converted into caste based discrimination by the law of Manu. Later on inequality prevailed in Hindu Society.

(b) Social distance: Due to lack of mobility among different castes, culture, traditions, folkways, food habits, social relations social distance is in great extent in Indian society. Finally it leads to strong caste bias among them.

(c) Illiteracy and conservatism: Illiteracy and ignorance among people make them conservative, it motivates them to narrow mindedness and superstition. They believe in old customs and traditions. They oppose strongly to any change in society.

(d) Sense of prestige: The strong desire of the people belonging to a particular caste enhances the prestige of their own, to get benefits and privileges from the society. Other castes which are neglected and unprivileged will suffer from social status.

(e) Marriage restrictions: In this closed society, only endogamous marriages are accepted. Elders do not honor marriages fixed outside the sub-sect. In such a situation strong caste feeling develops and leads to inequality.

Reservation as a remedy to eradicate caste based inequality:

(a) Education: article 15, clauses (4) and (5) of the Constitution provides reservation of seas to SCs, STs and Backward Classes in educational Institutions. Right To Education has also provided reservation to these communities.

(b) Employment: Article 16, clause (4) of the Constitution provides equal opportunities to all in public sendees. Article 335 claims 18% reservation for SCs and STs in Public Services both in Central and State Governments. The Mandal Commission report recommended 27% job reservation for OBCs.

(c) Loksabha and Legislative assembly: Article 330 and 332 of the Indian Constitution provides reservation to SCs and STs both in Loksabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

(d) Local bodies: Article 243D of the Indian Constitution, seats are reserved for SCs and STs in every Panchayath in proportion to their population.

(e) Abolition of untouch ability: Article 17 of the Constitution of India provided for abolition of untouchability. The SCs and STs (Prevention of atrocities) Act was enacted by Parliament in 1989 to eradicate caste based inequality’.