Originally Posted by app_engine
Thanks for getting this info, podalangai!
Well, none of those criteria, IMO, can point to "history of oppression" by some other caste group and hence needs to be "compensated".
However, I agree that all these seem to collect "groups of people" that have "below average" living standards. Considering the accuracy of such statistics in a poorly documented / accounted population like ours, the declaration of any group into this could be suspect - even if I accept that those who collect the info are honest and sincere people.
Having said that, evaluation of a student's 'correct economic status' is the best criteria for reservation, IMO.
Of all those criteria above, I liked the educational factors, and agree that reservations could be a motivation for many from such castes to complete schooling instead of dropping out.