This paper considers Indian affirmative action policies that provide reservations (quotas) in favor of two disadvantaged groups, the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes. First, definitions and background are presented. The scheduled castes ("untouchables") are said to suffer from social segregation, and the scheduled tribes from geographic isolation. Constitutional provisions and legislative reservations, intended to uplift these populations and guarantee their representation in government, are discussed. Problems of group membership are then addressed. These problems, it is noted, are complicated by religious teachings and inter-group marriage, and are most conspicuous when individuals apply for civil service positions. The conceptual basis of reservations ("social justice") and their qualitative and quantitative aspects are detailed. The remainder of the paper focuses on jobs and positions, land ownership, and education of scheduled castes and tribes. Much progress is said to have been made, but new social tensions have arisen since the implementation of affirmation action programs. These problems, it is asserted, will not be resolved until the ethnic criterion for affirmative action is replaced by a criterion based on lack of privilege. (KH)