What is the role of the opinion of the State in determining eligibility for reservation?
In the given context, the opinion of the State plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for reservation. The State can make provisions for the reservation of appointments or posts in favor of any backward class of citizens which, in its opinion, is not adequately represented in the services under the State (clause 4). Similarly, the State can also consider making reservations for promotion and consequential seniority to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes if they are not adequately represented in the services under the State (clause 4A). The State's opinion is significant in assessing whether a particular class or caste needs reservation for fair representation within the services.