Strengthening India’s GVC Potential through Inclusive Education: An Analytical Study of EWS Reservation Policy (2019–2024)

Abstract

As India seeks to elevate its role within Global Value Chains (GVCs), the quality and inclusivity of its human capital emerge as critical determinants of global competitiveness. While traditional GVC discourse focuses on logistics and trade barriers, this paper argues that “Social Infrastructure”—specifically equitable access to higher education—is the engine that moves a nation from low-value assembly to high-value innovation and services. This research provides an analytical study of the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Reservation Policy (103rd Constitutional Amendment) between 2019 and 2024. It examines the policy’s impact on promoting social harmony and reducing economic discrimination within India’s education sector. By providing a 10% quota for the economically marginalized, the policy aims to democratize access to premier academic institutions that serve as the primary conduits for skilled labor in GVC-integrated industries like IT, Pharmaceuticals, and Advanced Manufacturing. The study explores the nexus between educational equity and labor market resilience. It posits that inclusive education acts as a catalyst for “Upward Functional Power,” allowing first-generation learners to contribute to global production networks. Preliminary findings suggest that the EWS framework has initiated a shift in the socio-economic profile of the professional workforce, potentially mitigating the “skills-mismatch” that often hampers GVC expansion. Furthermore, the paper highlights how fostering social harmony through affirmative action creates a stable domestic environment—a key factor for foreign investors seeking reliable supply chain partners. The study concludes that the EWS policy is not merely a social welfare measure but a strategic economic tool. To maximize India’s GVC participation, the paper recommends stronger institutional linkages between EWS-supported graduates and global industrial requirements to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth.