One of the most raging debates in our country and among the youth is on the concept of reservation. Whether to have a reservation system or not is a question that needs to be debated upon and answered.
" Though the Article.15(1) of the Constitution says that the “State shall not discriminate any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them”, it also provides for compensatory or protective discrimination in favor of certain sections of the disadvantaged people. Article 15(4) of the Constitution stipulates that notwithstanding the provision stated above, the State can make “special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes”." - NCIE
So, we see that the Indian Constitution has a law, and by this law - 'Reservation was made to bring underprivileged classes on par with the general or privileged ones.
Our country now sees a variety of reservations, for women, physically challenged, based on economically backward status and most importantly, based on caste.
Scheduled Castes(SC) and Scheduled Tribes(ST) constitute approx. 22.5% of India's population. And a reservation equal to 22.5% (SC - 15% and ST 7.5%) has been made. On top of this a concession is made on the qualifying marks, by about 5-10%.
Though reservation clearly discriminates, it was once started with a good objective of uplifting the unprivileged section of society, so as to ensure equal opportunities. But due to lack of checks and effective measures, people have started misusing it. There are innumerable examples of students making fake documents/certificates just to get a seat in an educational institution.
Despite crossing numerous decades of independence, the condition of the people in 'reserved' category shows no improvement. The entire idea of reservation is proving counter productive for the nation. The system has caused the upliftment of one section at the cost of another, which is not right and unfair. Instead, the state should establish equal opportunities for all. And moreover, a candidate who is capable does not need any certificate of his caste to prove his worth.
To look at this from another perspective, by this reservation system, India is creating a workforce for the world which fails to compete globally. The system is adding undeserving candidates to society, while the truly meritorious candidates are left out.
There was once a quota system in the United States of America, but it was abolished. Does this mean they are not working towards the upliftment of the under-privileged. No. They constantly asses the effectiveness of their measures and modify the reforms for a more effective upliftment.
Now, in what way can we change this ? The government should first abolish all rules relating to reservation and demolish the reservation system. The actual under-privileged sections of society should be identified. The level of financial aid/assistance should be noted. Then provide free education and other incentives. Once this is achieved, let them face the true competition that is out in the world.
Making them capable and achieving success by the right spirit will infuse a fighting spirit in them.
" Though the Article.15(1) of the Constitution says that the “State shall not discriminate any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them”, it also provides for compensatory or protective discrimination in favor of certain sections of the disadvantaged people. Article 15(4) of the Constitution stipulates that notwithstanding the provision stated above, the State can make “special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes”." - NCIE
The following table reflects the typical caste-based reservation profile:
| SC and SC Converts to Buddhism | 13.0% |
| STs | 7.0% |
| Vimukta Jati | 3.0% |
| Nomadic Tribes (NTI) | 2.5% |
| Nomadic Tribes (NT2) | 3.5% |
| Nomadic Tribes (NT3) | 2.0% |
| OBC | 19.0% |
| Total | 50.0% |
So, we see that the Indian Constitution has a law, and by this law - 'Reservation was made to bring underprivileged classes on par with the general or privileged ones.
Our country now sees a variety of reservations, for women, physically challenged, based on economically backward status and most importantly, based on caste.
Scheduled Castes(SC) and Scheduled Tribes(ST) constitute approx. 22.5% of India's population. And a reservation equal to 22.5% (SC - 15% and ST 7.5%) has been made. On top of this a concession is made on the qualifying marks, by about 5-10%.
Though reservation clearly discriminates, it was once started with a good objective of uplifting the unprivileged section of society, so as to ensure equal opportunities. But due to lack of checks and effective measures, people have started misusing it. There are innumerable examples of students making fake documents/certificates just to get a seat in an educational institution.
Despite crossing numerous decades of independence, the condition of the people in 'reserved' category shows no improvement. The entire idea of reservation is proving counter productive for the nation. The system has caused the upliftment of one section at the cost of another, which is not right and unfair. Instead, the state should establish equal opportunities for all. And moreover, a candidate who is capable does not need any certificate of his caste to prove his worth.
To look at this from another perspective, by this reservation system, India is creating a workforce for the world which fails to compete globally. The system is adding undeserving candidates to society, while the truly meritorious candidates are left out.
There was once a quota system in the United States of America, but it was abolished. Does this mean they are not working towards the upliftment of the under-privileged. No. They constantly asses the effectiveness of their measures and modify the reforms for a more effective upliftment.
Now, in what way can we change this ? The government should first abolish all rules relating to reservation and demolish the reservation system. The actual under-privileged sections of society should be identified. The level of financial aid/assistance should be noted. Then provide free education and other incentives. Once this is achieved, let them face the true competition that is out in the world.
Making them capable and achieving success by the right spirit will infuse a fighting spirit in them.
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