Positive discrimination or affirmative action relates to the policies that favors the members of disadvantaged groups. These clusters are thought to be discriminated in a certain culture. This fact is known in different terms around the world. But the implications are the same: to favor the disadvantaged groups so that they can avail advantages in the society.

Positive discrimination is being practiced in almost all the countries but the nature of practices are different. It is known as reservations in India. Disadvantaged groups are treated positively in India. For example, the tribal people are thought to be disadvantaged groups in this country. These people have certain reservations in government jobs. Therefore, they get the jobs easily because they already have reservations in the job. Thus, the disadvantaged groups in the country get advantages compared to general people.

In the UK the term is known as positive actions that ensure allocated advantages for minorities in the country. For example, during the recruitment in UK government jobs, the country has quota that allows the underprivileged groups to get advantages in getting jobs. This allows them to avail a job easily. For example, if there is one job and two candidate: one from minority or disadvantaged groups and another from general groups. The first candidate will get the job. In this case too, the disadvantaged groups get more advantages compared to general people.

In India, physically challenged people are treated as minorities group and they have quota systems. It facilitate easy entry to schools, in getting admission. Therefore, the disadvantaged groups or minorities in India are getting advantages and this is an example of positive discrimination. This has a significant implication for all the disadvantaged communities of the world. The reason is that they get an excellent opportunity to develop themselves.

Source: Anderson, Terry H., 2004. The Pursuit of Fairness: A history of Affirmative Actions. Oxford University Press.