We live in a free country and this freedom is
a gift of democracy to us. Our constitution gives us the right to freedom and most
importantly to exercise this freedom in an equitable manner. At the same time it is
incumbent on the part of the state to ensure that equality prevails in all sections of the
society.
However in today’s time one of the major roadblocks to this equality is the Reservation
System.
India being a developing nation is currently facing many challenges and the reservation
system being one of them. The biggest question that lies in front of us is whether
implementing this reservation system has really helped the downtrodden? The current
scenario clearly depicts that the ‘lower’ castes are still discriminated in their daily lives.
To uproot casteism it is important that we fight the reservation system which alone will
lead us to development, competency, equality and unity. Firstly we need to understand
that the reservation system only divides the society leading to discrimination and
conflicts between different sections. It is oppressiveand does not find its basis in
casteism. It is actually the antithesis of a communal living.
The main objective of the Indian reservation system is to increase the opportunities for
enhanced social and educational status (in the sense better than the previous—until it
becomes equal to that enjoyed by an average member of other communities) of the
underprivileged communities and, thus, enable them to take their rightful place in
the mainstream of Indian society.
Reservation in India is a form of affirmative action designed to improve the well-being of
perceived backward and under-represented communities defined primarily by their 'caste'
(quota-system based on 'gender' or 'religion') is a phenomenon that commenced with the
coming into force of the Indian Constitution.
What is a “caste”?
"Caste" is the term used to describe the complex system of social divisions that pervades
life in India. Caste is an ancient hereditary system that developed alongside and became
intertwined with Hinduism. Caste determines whom a personcan marry, specifies what
kind of work he can do, and even controls what he can eat or touch.
Since the great majority of Indians are Hindu, the caste system has played an enormous
role in the history of India, and it continues to exert tremendous influence on modern
Indian culture and politics.
The reservation system finds its origin in the age-old caste system of India. The caste
system at its birth was meant to divide people on the basis of their occupation like
teaching and preaching (Brahmins), kingship and war (Kshatriya) and lastly
business(vaish) etc. but soonit became an instrument to divide the society on caste-basis,
creating various walls between different sections of the society. Today we stand divided
widely into Hindu, Muslim, SC, ST & OBCs with newer reservations coming up for
other different sections of the society like Christians, Kashmiris, Jats, Kashmiri Pandits,
Tribals etc.
There are people who are in favor or quota system and considerit
a positive step towards making education accessible among the masses without any
discrimination. The students of these castes and groups have always had difficulties in
attaining education with normal people in normal institutes which is why they lag behind.
They have an equal right for education and quota system is a medium which gives them a
fair chance to stand in the queue and prove their worth and talent against students of
upper castes and majority.Allocating quotas is a form of discrimination which is contrary
to the right to equality.
People who opposequotasystem state that they believe in merit and
reservation is killing merit and true deserving candidates. Because a certain percentage of
seats are already allotted to candidates who do not even meet the criteria, it creates a
disadvantage for the deserving candidates who have worked hard all year and scored
good marks but could not get admission because of shortage of seats. This has a ripple
effect in the entire education system and the economy. If the actually potential candidates
would not be given a fair chance to attain higher education, then quality graduates would
not be produced in the market that could compete on international level. A poolof
talented candidates may also leave the country and go to other countries for higher
studies.
The debate against or in favor of reservation or quota system is ongoing.
Each group has their own fears and reservations which derives them in favor or against
this system. It has also been politicize and sensationalized by the media and politicians.
Everyone has their vested interests in it. But the future of the youth and upcoming
generations is at stake. Exposing the students of underprivileged group to a highly
competitive higher education system is unfair to them. They should be provided a fair
chance for competing against normal students by setting up an educational infrastructure
which accommodates them. Schools and colleges should be established for them that
have regional accreditation. They should meet the criteria of quality education. This
would prepare them for a fair chance at higher education.
VOTE BANK POLITICS According to Article 334 of the Constitution lays down that the provisions of the Constitution relating to the reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes and the representation of the Anglo-Indian community by nomination in the House of the People and the Legislative Assemblies of the States shall cease to have effect on the expiration of the period of sixty years from the commencement of the Constitution. In other words, these provisions will cease to have effect on the 25th January 2010, if not extended further. The Ninety-fifth Amendment of the Constitution of India, officially known as The Constitution (Ninety-fifth Amendment) Act, 2009, extended the period of reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and representation of the Anglo- Indians in the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies for another ten years, i.e. up to 26 January 2020.Article 334 of the Constitution had originally required the reservation of seats to cease in 1960, but this was extended to 1970 by the 8th Amendment. The period of reservation was extended to 1980, 1990,2000 and 2010 by the 23rd, 45th, 62nd and 79th Amendments respectively. The 95th Amendment extended the period of reservation to 2020. The politicians are not ready to enforce this article strictly as it may result in a loss of vote banks for them. The political laloos and babus think of the reservation policy mainly because most of the upper-castes do not take real interest in the political process of voting. In view of this either some-one else misuse their votes or the voting right is simply wasted.Thus their votes depend on the middle and lower castes.No political party is ready to stop this system. In simple words, this means that reservation is a bait to lure the consolidated votes of backward classes whose numbers are too big to be ignored. Our preamble of the Indian Constitution says that India is “sovereign, socialist,secular,democratic,republic”,then how can the caste system prevail and consequently reservations? Today,this evil system persists and plays a vital role in the society as the major weapon for vote bank politics.The whole perspective of Mandal Commission regarding reservations are gradually being extended and expanded to sections of people,demanding reservations within reservations.The initial condition of reservation was acceptable since at the time of Independence these SC/ST communities
were weaker and exploited,but after so many years of Independence the same criteria of caste does not make sense.This has just been used as political puppet.Itis purely for political mileage. I am not against a low caste/tribe individual taking good professionbut as professional education, only right candidate should move up. If one really evaluate the requirements, the marks in exam reflects a student’s grit and determination in doing his work/career. If admissions are to be done for lower marks, because of caste certificates, will the system turn-out better dedicated doctors. Even in IITs, there are many candidates who leave the curriculum in the middle since they could not withstand the arduous learning process. Insuch a case why waste the opportunity of those who are really eligible for professional studies. No Indian youth, whatever be his caste, will be barred from entry on the basis of merit, to any of our prestigious centers of learning if the Government seriously considers a qualitative improvement right from the primary schoolstage. Let us go to the roots: once you take care of the roots, the plant will be healthy and will have durable, intrinsic worth. Let the Government take care of the child at the start and he or she can compete on his own terms.
he combined population of Indians is increasing as always. Several Unreserved or General category communities has started demanding reservation for them, these communities which include (Gujars, Jats of State of Haryana, Seers, etc.). Jats have got Backward status now despite being economically and politically dominant in Haryana. Some philosophers believe that Indian has lost its pacefor the development due to the reservation in India, since more capable persons were not offered the places which they deserved on the bases of acts done in past. Some think that reservation in India is not good for society since the people were still remain divided among themselves due to the increase and decrease of Financial and Social status in the society. Reservation policy which was designed to be a temporary supporthas turned out to be permanent crutches and is the biggest obstacle in achieving the cherished goal of equality. There are people from other communities who are deprived of jobs despite of the merit and qualifications they possess. Theymight not be economically or socially well off. In such a scenario, what is the fate of the Constitutional guarantees
How long can they be deprived of their rights in order to promote the interests of other communities. Caste disparities which were forgotten in the struggle for Independence came back with a bang due to reservation policy, judgments of the Supreme Court and the reports of the various Commissions This policy has strengthened the caste system instead of removing the inequalities prevalent in the society due to the caste system. People strive to be declared as backward just to avail the benefits of the reservation policies. So, instead of promoting equality it has started a new battle between various communities to be declared as backward and to avail the endless benefits which follow. Also the reservation system in India is creating a workforce which is not capable enough to compete at the global level. India needs people for growth and development but reservation is adding undeserving candidates as well. So I think reservation system should be demolished and if the government really wants to uplift the underprivileged sections of the society then a well-balanced policies should be formulated. People have started misusing it. There are many examples of people making false documents just to get a seat in a college or a job. This leaves the more eligible candidate to give their seat to a personbelonging to a reserve category.
SUGGESTIONS To remove this evil it suggested the following: Make education mandatory and free for all till age of 15 Proposereservation based on economic status Provide opportunity to students to earn while they study. Instead of introducing reservations for these backward classes what is required is to bring about revolutionary changes in our education system at the grass-rootlevel. When proper education is not provided to children belonging to such categories during the primary stage itself then on what basis are the reservations provided at a subsequent stage. Reservations on the basis of caste and not on the basis of condition are bad and unacceptable. Fair and just reservations to uplift the people with poorconditions of life, those who don’thave meals to eat, clothes to wear and no home to live in. They shall be made on the basis of factors such as gender as women are more disadvantaged than men since primitive times, domicile, family education, family employment, family property, family income and if any disabilities and traumas. The process ofreservation should be such that it filters the truly economically deprived individuals and bring them all to justice. We don’tneed reservations based on castes or religion but only to actually provide aid to those who have minimal resources; and merit should be given equal and due importance in admission procedures as well employment opportunities. This way we would be successfulin removing caste discrimination and unite the economically rich together in helping the economically poor, irrespective of their castes. The Government can tie up with the coaching centers bearing part of the tuition fees for the student’s frown weaker sections. Once they are empowered to compete along with their peers from the socially upward class the social divide would become meaningless. There is need for a national consensus on the burning issue of reservation as it affects all sections of the people — castewise, classwise — and because of the inescapable need for preserving merit at a time when India’s position in world economy and science and technology is increasingly being recognized. Avoidance of fragmentary approachwithin our country and focus on merit- based selection constitutes definite advantage of this approachis also suggested.Emphasis should be given to uniform primary and secondary education so that groups under- represented in higher education institutes and workplaces become natural competitors.Government should announce long term plan to phase out regional reservation.
Reservation is not a complete or even a real solution of the problems of Scheduled Castes or the Backward Classes. What is more important is their economic and educational upliftment which can be achieved only by increasing merit and not merely by providing for reservations.Without merit which comes in the form of education they are not in a position to utilize the opportunity being given to them under the scheme of affirmative action. Reservation should be provided when even after equal merit they are unable to enter into services due to some kind of discrimination or disability.Reservation as a means of affirmative action has outlived its importance as the goals framed during the debates in Constituent Assembly have still not been achieved even after 67 years of independence. There was a quota system in US as well, but it was abolished long ago. But it does not mean that they are not working for the underprivileged in their society. Foradmission and appointment purposes, nowthey have point systems in which people from backward regions are given some extra points but, not a certain number of seats. So, though the government is helping the needy, but it is not at all discriminating or snatching away the rights of eligible candidates. Also from time to time such reforms or laws must be evaluated by experts and their impact on the development of under privileged and overall society must be assessed. Also, calculate the way these are changing the per capita income, number of people below poverty line etc. Politicians should stop using reservation system as a gimmick to have a permanent vote bank. Education should not be a part of politics. Instead nurture the saplings right from childhood for their bright future and then there won’t be any need of so called reservation system in India. LET YOUR SKILLS BE THE VOICE OF YOUR RIGHTS
Reservation in India is a form of affirmative action designed to improve the well-being of
perceived backward and under-represented communities defined primarily by their 'caste'
(quota-system based on 'gender' or 'religion') is a phenomenon that commenced with the
coming into force of the Indian Constitution.
What is a “caste”?
"Caste" is the term used to describe the complex system of social divisions that pervades
life in India. Caste is an ancient hereditary system that developed alongside and became
intertwined with Hinduism. Caste determines whom a personcan marry, specifies what
kind of work he can do, and even controls what he can eat or touch.
Since the great majority of Indians are Hindu, the caste system has played an enormous
role in the history of India, and it continues to exert tremendous influence on modern
Indian culture and politics.
The reservation system finds its origin in the age-old caste system of India. The caste
system at its birth was meant to divide people on the basis of their occupation like
teaching and preaching (Brahmins), kingship and war (Kshatriya) and lastly
business(vaish) etc. but soonit became an instrument to divide the society on caste-basis,
creating various walls between different sections of the society. Today we stand divided
widely into Hindu, Muslim, SC, ST & OBCs with newer reservations coming up for
other different sections of the society like Christians, Kashmiris, Jats, Kashmiri Pandits,
Tribals etc.
There are people who are in favor or quota system and considerit
a positive step towards making education accessible among the masses without any
discrimination. The students of these castes and groups have always had difficulties in
attaining education with normal people in normal institutes which is why they lag behind.
They have an equal right for education and quota system is a medium which gives them a
fair chance to stand in the queue and prove their worth and talent against students of
upper castes and majority.Allocating quotas is a form of discrimination which is contrary
to the right to equality.
People who opposequotasystem state that they believe in merit and
reservation is killing merit and true deserving candidates. Because a certain percentage of
seats are already allotted to candidates who do not even meet the criteria, it creates a
disadvantage for the deserving candidates who have worked hard all year and scored
good marks but could not get admission because of shortage of seats. This has a ripple
effect in the entire education system and the economy. If the actually potential candidates
would not be given a fair chance to attain higher education, then quality graduates would
not be produced in the market that could compete on international level. A poolof
talented candidates may also leave the country and go to other countries for higher
studies.
The debate against or in favor of reservation or quota system is ongoing.
Each group has their own fears and reservations which derives them in favor or against
this system. It has also been politicize and sensationalized by the media and politicians.
Everyone has their vested interests in it. But the future of the youth and upcoming
generations is at stake. Exposing the students of underprivileged group to a highly
competitive higher education system is unfair to them. They should be provided a fair
chance for competing against normal students by setting up an educational infrastructure
which accommodates them. Schools and colleges should be established for them that
have regional accreditation. They should meet the criteria of quality education. This
would prepare them for a fair chance at higher education.
VOTE BANK POLITICS According to Article 334 of the Constitution lays down that the provisions of the Constitution relating to the reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes and the representation of the Anglo-Indian community by nomination in the House of the People and the Legislative Assemblies of the States shall cease to have effect on the expiration of the period of sixty years from the commencement of the Constitution. In other words, these provisions will cease to have effect on the 25th January 2010, if not extended further. The Ninety-fifth Amendment of the Constitution of India, officially known as The Constitution (Ninety-fifth Amendment) Act, 2009, extended the period of reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and representation of the Anglo- Indians in the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies for another ten years, i.e. up to 26 January 2020.Article 334 of the Constitution had originally required the reservation of seats to cease in 1960, but this was extended to 1970 by the 8th Amendment. The period of reservation was extended to 1980, 1990,2000 and 2010 by the 23rd, 45th, 62nd and 79th Amendments respectively. The 95th Amendment extended the period of reservation to 2020. The politicians are not ready to enforce this article strictly as it may result in a loss of vote banks for them. The political laloos and babus think of the reservation policy mainly because most of the upper-castes do not take real interest in the political process of voting. In view of this either some-one else misuse their votes or the voting right is simply wasted.Thus their votes depend on the middle and lower castes.No political party is ready to stop this system. In simple words, this means that reservation is a bait to lure the consolidated votes of backward classes whose numbers are too big to be ignored. Our preamble of the Indian Constitution says that India is “sovereign, socialist,secular,democratic,republic”,then how can the caste system prevail and consequently reservations? Today,this evil system persists and plays a vital role in the society as the major weapon for vote bank politics.The whole perspective of Mandal Commission regarding reservations are gradually being extended and expanded to sections of people,demanding reservations within reservations.The initial condition of reservation was acceptable since at the time of Independence these SC/ST communities
were weaker and exploited,but after so many years of Independence the same criteria of caste does not make sense.This has just been used as political puppet.Itis purely for political mileage. I am not against a low caste/tribe individual taking good professionbut as professional education, only right candidate should move up. If one really evaluate the requirements, the marks in exam reflects a student’s grit and determination in doing his work/career. If admissions are to be done for lower marks, because of caste certificates, will the system turn-out better dedicated doctors. Even in IITs, there are many candidates who leave the curriculum in the middle since they could not withstand the arduous learning process. Insuch a case why waste the opportunity of those who are really eligible for professional studies. No Indian youth, whatever be his caste, will be barred from entry on the basis of merit, to any of our prestigious centers of learning if the Government seriously considers a qualitative improvement right from the primary schoolstage. Let us go to the roots: once you take care of the roots, the plant will be healthy and will have durable, intrinsic worth. Let the Government take care of the child at the start and he or she can compete on his own terms.
he combined population of Indians is increasing as always. Several Unreserved or General category communities has started demanding reservation for them, these communities which include (Gujars, Jats of State of Haryana, Seers, etc.). Jats have got Backward status now despite being economically and politically dominant in Haryana. Some philosophers believe that Indian has lost its pacefor the development due to the reservation in India, since more capable persons were not offered the places which they deserved on the bases of acts done in past. Some think that reservation in India is not good for society since the people were still remain divided among themselves due to the increase and decrease of Financial and Social status in the society. Reservation policy which was designed to be a temporary supporthas turned out to be permanent crutches and is the biggest obstacle in achieving the cherished goal of equality. There are people from other communities who are deprived of jobs despite of the merit and qualifications they possess. Theymight not be economically or socially well off. In such a scenario, what is the fate of the Constitutional guarantees
How long can they be deprived of their rights in order to promote the interests of other communities. Caste disparities which were forgotten in the struggle for Independence came back with a bang due to reservation policy, judgments of the Supreme Court and the reports of the various Commissions This policy has strengthened the caste system instead of removing the inequalities prevalent in the society due to the caste system. People strive to be declared as backward just to avail the benefits of the reservation policies. So, instead of promoting equality it has started a new battle between various communities to be declared as backward and to avail the endless benefits which follow. Also the reservation system in India is creating a workforce which is not capable enough to compete at the global level. India needs people for growth and development but reservation is adding undeserving candidates as well. So I think reservation system should be demolished and if the government really wants to uplift the underprivileged sections of the society then a well-balanced policies should be formulated. People have started misusing it. There are many examples of people making false documents just to get a seat in a college or a job. This leaves the more eligible candidate to give their seat to a personbelonging to a reserve category.
SUGGESTIONS To remove this evil it suggested the following: Make education mandatory and free for all till age of 15 Proposereservation based on economic status Provide opportunity to students to earn while they study. Instead of introducing reservations for these backward classes what is required is to bring about revolutionary changes in our education system at the grass-rootlevel. When proper education is not provided to children belonging to such categories during the primary stage itself then on what basis are the reservations provided at a subsequent stage. Reservations on the basis of caste and not on the basis of condition are bad and unacceptable. Fair and just reservations to uplift the people with poorconditions of life, those who don’thave meals to eat, clothes to wear and no home to live in. They shall be made on the basis of factors such as gender as women are more disadvantaged than men since primitive times, domicile, family education, family employment, family property, family income and if any disabilities and traumas. The process ofreservation should be such that it filters the truly economically deprived individuals and bring them all to justice. We don’tneed reservations based on castes or religion but only to actually provide aid to those who have minimal resources; and merit should be given equal and due importance in admission procedures as well employment opportunities. This way we would be successfulin removing caste discrimination and unite the economically rich together in helping the economically poor, irrespective of their castes. The Government can tie up with the coaching centers bearing part of the tuition fees for the student’s frown weaker sections. Once they are empowered to compete along with their peers from the socially upward class the social divide would become meaningless. There is need for a national consensus on the burning issue of reservation as it affects all sections of the people — castewise, classwise — and because of the inescapable need for preserving merit at a time when India’s position in world economy and science and technology is increasingly being recognized. Avoidance of fragmentary approachwithin our country and focus on merit- based selection constitutes definite advantage of this approachis also suggested.Emphasis should be given to uniform primary and secondary education so that groups under- represented in higher education institutes and workplaces become natural competitors.Government should announce long term plan to phase out regional reservation.
Reservation is not a complete or even a real solution of the problems of Scheduled Castes or the Backward Classes. What is more important is their economic and educational upliftment which can be achieved only by increasing merit and not merely by providing for reservations.Without merit which comes in the form of education they are not in a position to utilize the opportunity being given to them under the scheme of affirmative action. Reservation should be provided when even after equal merit they are unable to enter into services due to some kind of discrimination or disability.Reservation as a means of affirmative action has outlived its importance as the goals framed during the debates in Constituent Assembly have still not been achieved even after 67 years of independence. There was a quota system in US as well, but it was abolished long ago. But it does not mean that they are not working for the underprivileged in their society. Foradmission and appointment purposes, nowthey have point systems in which people from backward regions are given some extra points but, not a certain number of seats. So, though the government is helping the needy, but it is not at all discriminating or snatching away the rights of eligible candidates. Also from time to time such reforms or laws must be evaluated by experts and their impact on the development of under privileged and overall society must be assessed. Also, calculate the way these are changing the per capita income, number of people below poverty line etc. Politicians should stop using reservation system as a gimmick to have a permanent vote bank. Education should not be a part of politics. Instead nurture the saplings right from childhood for their bright future and then there won’t be any need of so called reservation system in India. LET YOUR SKILLS BE THE VOICE OF YOUR RIGHTS
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