Rethinking Affirmative Action in India: A Marxian Analysis of Merit, Class, and Elite Capture

Abstract

India’s reservation system was designed as a constitutional mechanism to address historical injustices and expand access to opportunities for marginalized communities. However, changing socio-economic conditions have increasingly complicated its contemporary relevance. This paper presents a theoretical analysis, guided by a Marxian perspective, to examine how economic class now plays a growing role in shaping access to education and employment in India. While caste continues to remain a significant marker of social identity, material resources such as income, education, and social networks have become crucial in determining life chances. Drawing on parliamentary debates, judicial interpretations, and existing scholarship, the study argues that the continued reliance on caste as the primary basis of affirmative action risks overlooking emerging forms of inequality. It highlights the issue of intra-group disparities, where relatively privileged sections within reserved categories continue to access state benefits, while economically disadvantaged individuals across all social groups often remain excluded. These patterns raise concerns about fairness, institutional trust, and the long-term effectiveness of redistributive policies. The paper contends that a recalibration of affirmative action is necessary to better align it with present material conditions. It proposes a more balanced framework that incorporates economic criteria alongside social disadvantage, ensuring that benefits reach those most in need. By shifting the analytical focus from identity alone to the interaction between caste and class, the study contributes to ongoing debates on equity, merit, and social justice in contemporary India.