Reservation Hatao Andolan official in Punjab

Reservation & examination policy in Punjab

Punjab has India's largest SC population share at roughly 32% and operates a first-preference sub-quota for Balmiki and Mazhabi Sikhs, whose validity was upheld by the Supreme Court's 2024 seven-judge ruling permitting sub-classification within Scheduled Castes.

Recruitment & examination bodies

• Punjab PSC
• Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board
• PSEB

Why the reform argument matters in Punjab

1. 01The 2024 sub-classification judgment originated in Punjab and confirms that within-category deprivation is legally recognisable.
2. 02Agrarian debt affects households across every category, showing the limits of group-based targeting.
3. 03High out-migration among Punjab's youth reflects a shortage of domestic opportunity rather than a quota dispute.

Cities we cover in Punjab

• Ludhiana districtLudhianaHosiery, bicycles and Punjab's industrial capital
• Amritsar districtAmritsarThe Golden Temple and Wagah border
• Jalandhar districtJalandharSports goods manufacturing and publishing