Introduction:
Reservation is a policy implemented by the government of India to provide opportunities and representation to historically disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society. It aims to address the historical social and economic inequality faced by certain communities. However, reservation does not apply to the General category as they are not considered as socially or economically disadvantaged.

Benefits of Reservation:
Reservation provides various benefits to the reserved categories, which include:

1. Education:
- Reserved category candidates are provided with reservation in educational institutions, which helps them secure admissions even if their scores are comparatively lower than General category candidates.
- This ensures equal opportunities for the reserved category students to pursue higher education and gain the necessary skills and knowledge.

2. Employment:
- Reservation also extends to government jobs and public sector enterprises.
- Reserved category candidates are given certain percentage of vacancies reserved for their community, thereby increasing their chances of securing employment.
- This promotes representation and diversity in the workforce, ensuring that all sections of society have fair access to employment opportunities.

3. Political Representation:
- Reservation also plays a crucial role in political representation.
- Reserved seats are allocated in legislative bodies at various levels, such as state assemblies and parliament, for candidates belonging to reserved categories.
- This ensures adequate representation and participation of marginalized communities in the decision-making process.

4. Social Empowerment:
- Reservation helps in uplifting the socio-economic status of reserved category communities.
- By providing them with opportunities in education and employment, reservation aims to reduce the disparities and discrimination faced by these communities.
- It helps in breaking the cycle of poverty and social exclusion, leading to their overall development.

5. Equal Opportunities:
- Reservation aims to provide equal opportunities for all sections of society.
- It recognizes the historical disadvantages and discrimination faced by certain communities and seeks to address them through affirmative action.
- By ensuring representation and access to resources, reservation helps in creating a level playing field for all individuals.

Conclusion:
The benefits of reservation are primarily extended to the socially and economically disadvantaged sections of society. As the General category is not considered as disadvantaged, they do not receive the benefits of reservation. However, it is important to note that reservation is a means to address historical inequalities and promote social justice, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable society.