Sunday, April 20, 2014

R for Reservation : Where do we need this ?

“It is against the fundamental principles of humanity, it is against the dictates of reason that a man should, by reason of birth, be denied or given extra privileges" -Mahatma Gandhi

Does India still need a caste based reservation system in education, profession and any other areas concerning livelihood?

In my first post of these series, “26 posts for a better society”, I took up the topic of Bigotry Be Bygone.  Bigotry and untouchability, still prevalent in some form or other in Indian and world societies, have come down significantly in the present day. While the beginning was made in the 19th century during British rule , there has been significant strides towards the removal these stigmas from the face of our country, including providing constitutional provision to prohibit untouchability, post independence.

Without delving much into different statistical parameters on the subject, it can be concluded that there are considerable amount of opportunities provided for the “Scheduled Castes” and “Scheduled Tribes” – the supposedly weaker sections of the society for their overall economic development. It is worthwhile to note that our constitution also provided provision of caste based reservation only for 10 years after independence by which time it was assumed that country would be able to overcome the challenges it was grappling with earlier. Later however, there has been no traction on this issue with any political party taking interest to repeal or amend those provisions, keeping an eye on the vote bank politics as around 33% of the electorate are from these sections.

In my opinion, in the current context of India moving ahead and with the background provided earlier, we should be restricting to provide with reservation only on the grounds of economic condition and/or gender in some cases. We, as a society, cannot afford to take chances with meritocracy stagnating on account of financial constraints and undeserved reservations.  Another significant consideration is inclusiveness in all walks of life. Increase of gender diversity along with differently abled people are significant approaches in the directions of education, corporate and political systems becoming to be much stronger and resilient.

I would also want to highlight that there should be a system so that the same families are not extended these benefits across generations.  It is expected that with the necessary support provided in one generation, there won’t be any need or very little need for any further support requirement to be provisioned for the same family. The same sustenance assistance can be made available to other sections of the public who have a more immediate need.

These are some serious issues that we need to focus onto going forward. Otherwise I have seen situations where people are becoming doctors without the base of necessary merit and credentials to support their career.  Medical profession - a significant enough profession to take care of lives should be also kept outside the purview of any kind of reservation other than merit.


19 comments:

  1. Election week here, so perfect for me to get some insight on situation in India right now. For me it seems very strange that not all humans shall have the same rights.. Great theme and a very interesting read today, Jayanta!

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    1. The reservation system was created with all the good intention for development of the backward classes-a division that an old civilization like India acquired. In my view, it should have served its purpose by now and hence the voice for a look into the processes. Hope I could give you a better perspective.

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  2. Yes, these entitlements across generations must go. There is so much divisiveness and corruption in the name of these reservations, sometimes I wonder if the whole thing should be scrapped altogether, and replaced with some really new thinking on the matter. I don't know what that can be, but I am sure there are some very intelligent thinkers and India-lovers out there who can come up with a totally different way of balancing social justice/equity with the overall needs of the society.

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    1. In my view, only financial conditions and diversity should be the criteria for consideration...Thanks for your time. Much appreciated.

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  3. In spite of listening to the general public, those on the top do not take any heed to the voice of the majority. It is all politics!

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  4. Reservations especially in the name of caste and creed some times deprive the seat for those who deserve those prestigious positions, thought provoking post !!

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  5. Reservation is necessary, and can achieve social justice, but only if the policies are made well and implemented well.

    Unfortunately, reservation has been misused as a tool for vote-bank politics, hence it has not achieved the intended goals.

    In my opinion, all is not lost. There is scope for correction.

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    1. Thanks for your time. Yes, I am also suggesting to keep it in the areas of financial issues hampering merit and increase of diversity...

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  6. What a great day it will be when everyone is truly equal and on the same level.

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  7. Reservations are a very sensitive and controversial topic. I personally feel be it any, the rightful candidate should deserve the post, seat, or whatever!

    ~S(t)ri
    Participant|AtoZ Challenge 2014
    Smile, it makes (y)our day!

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  8. Very valid points. In our country reservation is negation of merit. Ideally, merit should not be compromised at all!!

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  9. I don't believe in reservation in the name of caste, creed and all that bs that is in our country...I have see students of well off families being benefited since they were from SC or ST while poor general students suffered...Reservation should only be there for the poor...
    R for Ready-Random Thoughts Naba

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  10. This is such a strong thought -provoking piece. I am originally from Mexico and although a Caste system per se is not in place the nuances of such are very visible in extreme social discrepancies. I hope yours is a loud voice and that people will all be treated in balance and not by Caste. As you know hopping through #AtoZchallenge ☮Peace ☮ ღ ONE ℒℴνℯ ღ ☼ Light ☼ visiting from http://4covert2overt.blogspot.com/

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  11. Your reservation system sounds like South africa's Black Economic Empowerment. I have mixed feelings about it. It was set out with good intentions, but it succeeded in making those with some resources richer, as they were better placed to access the opportunities, instead of helping the poor, who make not even have the skills to access these opportunities. It allowed for the creation of the Black ultra rich. Not a bad thing really... but it was an unintended consequence.. especially as the poor remain poor.

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  12. Your reservation system sounds like South africa's Black Economic Empowerment. I have mixed feelings about it. It was set out with good intentions, but it succeeded in making those with some resources richer, as they were better placed to access the opportunities, instead of helping the poor, who make not even have the skills to access these opportunities. It allowed for the creation of the Black ultra rich. Not a bad thing really... but it was an unintended consequence.. especially as the poor remain poor.

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  13. Reservation , well, that drives merit down the drain. High time we found an alternative for that. :)

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  14. Reservation in higher education is an insult but more insulting is the fact that upper caste Hindus still practice untouchability in many many parts of the country. Maybe when you write about U you can focus on it also

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    1. Thanks for your visit and comment. Yes, I have also written about that menace as well. You can find it at the below URL.

      http://jayantathoughts.blogspot.in/2014/04/bigotry-be-bygone.html

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