Quota within a quota: What is horizontal reservation? Understand this aspect of reservation in simple terms..

What is Horizontal Reservation? Whenever the topic of government jobs or college admissions comes up, the word "reservation" is always a hot topic of discussion. You've probably often heard about SC, ST, and OBC reservations, which we call vertical reservations. But have you ever heard of 'horizontal reservation'? Let's understand it today in simple terms so that even a common person can understand the whole concept of this reservation.

What is Horizontal Reservation?
Let's understand this with an example. Suppose the government has created separate 'categories' for SC, ST, and OBC. This is called vertical reservation. Now, within these categories, seats are fixed for certain specific groups, such as women, persons with disabilities, and ex-servicemen.

When a separate reservation is given to certain specific groups within the same category, it is called horizontal reservation. This means that this reservation does not work 'vertically' but 'horizontally' and takes its place within each category.

How does it work?

Suppose there are 100 vacancies in a government department.

According to the rules:

If there is 30% horizontal reservation for women, it doesn't mean that there will be 30 separate seats for them. Rather, it means that 30% of the seats in the General category will be for women, 30% of the seats in the OBC category will be for women, and similarly in the SC/ST categories as well.
That is, horizontal reservation does not cut into the seats of another category, but rather gives opportunities to those within their own category who need it more.

What is the difference between vertical and horizontal reservation?
Vertical Reservation
This is based on social backwardness (like caste). These are mutually exclusive. A person cannot avail the benefit of two vertical reservations simultaneously.

Horizontal Reservation
This is based on physical condition or special circumstances. This operates within vertical reservation.

Why is this necessary?
According to the Constitution of India, every section of society should have equal opportunities. Women and persons with disabilities often lag behind able-bodied men within their own categories. Horizontal reservation ensures that these specific groups can compete effectively within their respective categories and maintain their participation in the system.

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