The 95th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2009 is one of the simplest yet most important amendments in the history of India’s journey toward social justi

95th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2009

---

Introduction: Why the 95th Amendment Was a Necessary Extension for Social Justice

The 95th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2009 is one of the simplest yet most important amendments in the history of India’s journey toward social justice and equality. While many amendments introduce new systems, new institutions, new rights, or new political frameworks, the 95th Amendment is different. It does not create anything new. Instead, it extends what already existed, but its impact is incredibly meaningful. The amendment extends the period for reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for another ten years, from 2010 to 2020. This continuation of reservation in political representation ensures that historically marginalized communities continue to have a voice in legislative decision-making.

To understand why this amendment matters so much, we must revisit the original purpose of reservations in legislatures. When the Constitution was written in 1950, the framers understood that Indian society was shaped by thousands of years of inequality. SCs and STs had been denied rights, dignity, land, education, and political power for centuries. Political empowerment was considered essential for their upliftment. The Constitution therefore provided that seats would be reserved for these communities for ten years so that they could establish political strength and participation in democratic governance.

But the framers also assumed that social inequalities would reduce significantly in ten years. Unfortunately, even after decades, discrimination, caste-based exclusion, lack of access to resources, and uneven development continued. Therefore, every ten years, the reservation period was extended. The 95th Amendment is one such extension. It recognizes that India has made progress, but the journey toward equality is still incomplete.

---

Background: How Reservation in Legislatures Began and Why It Needed Extension

The story of reserving seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for SCs and STs is deeply tied to India’s struggle for social justice. The original Constitution provided for reservations under Articles 330 and 332, but only for a limited duration of ten years. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and other framers knew that after centuries of oppression, SCs and STs needed representation to voice their concerns. However, they believed that with time, society would become more equal, and reservations in political bodies would no longer be necessary.

But the reality turned out differently. Social inequalities persisted. Access to education, employment, land, and political influence remained unequal. Many SC/ST communities continued to face discrimination and violence. Political representation became a tool not just for symbolic inclusion but also for real empowerment. Thus, the extension became necessary.

The first extension occurred in 1960, then again in 1970, 1980, 1990, and 2000. By the time the year 2009 approached, India once again faced the same question: Should reservation for SCs and STs in legislatures be allowed to lapse? The answer was clear. Removing it would silence millions of marginalized voices. Extending it would continue the journey of empowerment.

Thus, the 95th Amendment was introduced to extend reservations for SCs and STs for yet another decade, from 2010 to 2020.

---

Why SC/ST Reservation in Politics Needed Another Extension

Despite progress, SCs and STs continued to face discrimination in social, economic, and political fields. A brief look at the social reality makes this clear. Many SC communities still lived in segregated settlements. Many ST communities lacked basic infrastructure, healthcare, and education. In many states, SC and ST political leaders found it difficult to contest elections from general seats because of deep-rooted caste biases.

Political reservation ensures that SCs and STs are not politically invisible. Without reservation, few members from marginalized communities would enter legislatures, let alone influence policymaking. Reserved seats not only bring representation but also encourage leadership development within these communities.

Moreover, in a democracy, political voice is essential. Without representation, the needs of these communities might be overlooked in budgeting, policymaking, law-making, and developmental planning.

All these reasons made the extension necessary.

---

What the 95th Amendment Actually Did in the Constitution

The amendment made simple modifications to Articles 334, which sets the time limit for political reservations. Article 334 originally stated that political reservations would last only ten years. But each decade, the timeline was extended. The 95th Amendment replaced the words “sixty years” with “seventy years,” effectively extending political reservations for another ten years, until January 26, 2020.

It did not change the mechanism of reservation. It did not add new categories. It did not change seat allocations. It simply ensured that SC and ST reservation continued without disruption.

Yet, this small change carries deep democratic consequences. It ensured that SC/ST representation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies remained intact.

---

Why Political Representation of SCs and STs Remains Important Even After Decades

Political representation is more than just numbers. It is about ensuring that the voices of the oppressed are heard in decision-making. The necessity remains strong because of continuing inequalities. SC communities still face caste-based crimes, discrimination in villages, and barriers in employment. ST communities still struggle with land rights, displacement due to mining and dams, and lack of access to education and healthcare.

To address these challenges, representation in legislatures is essential. Politicians from these communities understand their struggles better. They bring authenticity and urgency to the issues. Without political reservation, legislatures might lack the diversity needed to create inclusive laws.

Moreover, political representation also empowers younger generations. It inspires SC/ST youth to join public life, contest elections, and participate in governance.

Thus, the extension serves both as protection and opportunity.

---

How the Amendment Strengthened India’s Democratic Inclusiveness

India is a diverse nation with multiple identities, castes, tribes, languages, and cultures. For democracy to function, every group must feel included. Political reservation ensures that SCs and STs are not merely voters but active participants in the governing process.

The amendment also reassures these communities that the nation recognizes their struggles and will continue to support their political empowerment. It strengthens democratic trust. It ensures social stability. It avoids political alienation.

The 95th Amendment is therefore an instrument of democratic inclusiveness.

---

Impact of the Amendment on the Lok Sabha

In the Lok Sabha, seats are reserved based on the proportion of SC/ST population in each state. Without the amendment, these seats would have become general seats. This could have significantly reduced SC/ST representation. Many constituencies that were reserved would have become difficult for SC/ST candidates to win because of caste dominance patterns.

The amendment protected these seats and ensured continuity of representation. It preserved political space for marginalized voices in the national parliament. It allowed SC/ST MPs to continue raising issues related to social justice, discrimination, gender violence within marginalized communities, tribal land rights, forest rights, and affirmative action policies.

Thus, the amendment directly influenced national politics.

---

Impact on State Legislative Assemblies

At the state level, reservation ensures that SC/ST MLAs represent communities whose needs vary from region to region. In states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, SC/ST populations are significant. Their issues—rural discrimination, bonded labor, land alienation, displacement, health challenges—require a voice in state legislatures.

The 95th Amendment ensured that this voice remained intact. It prevented a sudden vacuum of SC/ST MLAs. It allowed continuity in regional leadership. It enabled SC/ST politicians to bring regional issues to the forefront.

Thus, it strengthened federal democracy.

---

Why Fifty or Sixty Years Were Not Enough to Remove Inequality

This question often arises: if reservation was meant to last only ten years, why is it still needed after sixty years?

The answer lies in the nature of inequality. Social inequality is not like economic poverty, which can sometimes be reduced with targeted programs. Caste-based inequality is deeply embedded over thousands of years. It shapes identity, opportunity, education, marriage, social networks, access to public places, and dignity. Undoing such deep-rooted inequality cannot happen in a few decades.

Many changes are happening. SC/ST literacy rates are increasing. More SC/ST students attend universities. More SC/ST officers are entering bureaucracy. But societal attitudes change slowly. Discrimination continues in subtle and overt forms.

Therefore, political reservation remains necessary until society becomes truly equal.

---

Debates in Parliament: How Lawmakers Viewed the Amendment

When the amendment was introduced, most lawmakers supported it. There was broad political consensus. Members from all parties agreed that SC/ST representation must continue. They acknowledged the realities of discrimination and inequality. They argued that political empowerment is a constitutional duty.

Only a few parliamentarians expressed concerns about endless extensions. But the majority agreed that the purpose of reservation was not yet fulfilled.

Thus, the amendment passed smoothly.

---

How the Amendment Protects the Spirit of the Constitution

The Constitution emphasizes equality, justice, and dignity for all. Political reservation is a tool to achieve these ideals. The 95th Amendment keeps alive the original promise made to marginalized communities.

It protects their right to be represented. It protects the democratic fabric. It protects the idea that leadership must include all sections of society.

Thus, the amendment strengthens constitutional values.

---

Long-Term Significance of the 95th Amendment

Even though the amendment extends reservation only until 2020, its significance goes beyond those ten years. It reaffirms the importance of representation. It validates the idea that democracy must evolve with society. It acknowledges that social transformation is slow and needs continuous support.

The amendment also set the stage for the 104th Amendment (2020), which again extended political reservations for SC/STs until 2030.

Thus, the 95th Amendment is part of a larger historical journey.

---

Conclusion: The 95th Amendment as a Symbol of India’s Commitment to Equality

The 95th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2009 is a simple amendment with profound meaning. It ensures that SCs and STs continue to have reserved seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. It protects political empowerment. It acknowledges that the fight against inequality is not over. It strengthens India’s democracy by ensuring that marginalized communities remain visible and influential in governance.

It is not just an extension of time—it is an extension of faith, responsibility, and constitutional morality. It symbolizes India’s commitment to building a society where everyone has a voice, where justice is accessible, and where equality is not a dream but a reality we continue working toward.

---

ALEX, ready for the next one?