Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Friday, 4 September declared that reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) must remain in place for as long as the caste system and caste-based discrimination continue to exist in India. Speaking at a press conference at the State Guest House in Ranchi, Athawale framed reservation not as a political concession but as a fundamental instrument of social justice and equitable representation.

The Case for Continuing Reservation

Athawale asserted that the reservation framework is indispensable until caste-based inequalities are fully eradicated from Indian society. He argued that the existing system should be periodically reviewed and recalibrated to reflect the actual population of various caste communities, ensuring that each group receives its proportionate share of representation and opportunity.

He also underlined the critical importance of conducting a caste census, stating that accurate demographic data on caste populations would equip policymakers with the evidence needed to make informed decisions and strengthen social representation across institutions.

JPSC and JSSC Examination Controversy

Athawale weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations, acknowledging that the concerns raised by aspirants deserve serious consideration. 'If there have been any irregularities in the examination process, an impartial inquiry should be conducted,' he said.

He called for a balanced resolution that addresses the grievances of protesting candidates without causing injustice to those who have already cleared the examinations and secured appointments. He stressed that the long-term answer lies in a recruitment policy built on complete transparency, with clearly defined rules for future appointments — one that simultaneously safeguards existing aspirants and expands employment opportunities in government services.

Industrial Development and Infrastructure in Jharkhand

The Union Minister also highlighted the need to accelerate industrial development in Jharkhand, noting that the state's abundant mineral resources and active mining sector provide significant scope for industrial expansion. He urged the state government to collaborate with the Centre to establish new industries and generate greater local employment.

Athawale pointed to Central government programmes — including the National Highways initiative and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana — as examples of schemes that have already contributed meaningfully to infrastructure development and benefited residents across the state.

Social Harmony and Religious Inclusion

On the question of social cohesion, Athawale emphasised that all religions must be respected. Describing himself as a Buddhist and a follower of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, he said India's path forward lies in carrying along people of all faiths — including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and Buddhists — rather than leaving any community behind.

His remarks in Ranchi come at a time when debates around caste census, reservation reform, and competitive examination integrity are intensifying ahead of state assembly elections in Jharkhand, making the minister's intervention politically as well as socially significant.