Once upon a time, when the world began, God created 2 divisions: "Male" and "Female". He divided all his creations in these 2 sections.
Then man developed wisdom. And he began creating several divisions.
He divided God and created religions. He divided religions and created castes. He decided some people are more priviledged than others. Man built societies and developed rules to stay in every society.
Let us consider one such section of people: the Indians. We have divisions based on caste, creed, sex, religions... and what not! I have a question here: Is'nt it important to give every division the right it deserves? Yes, I know you all will agree to this.
So someone comes up and puts forth the need for 49.5% reservations in some top shools in India. Reservations that are based on castes and creed.
I believe we should have 60% reservations in all fields. There should be 60% reservations in schools, colleges and offices... But this should be reserved to a different division of people- "The Economically Backward Class".
Think about today. And think about tomorrow. Do we really need divisions in our society based on "upper caste" and "lower caste"? Do we still live the life we lived some thousand years back?
The section of people who really need help today, are the economically backward people. Some of these people wish to study, but cant do so because of lack of finance. Some dont even realise the need for education. We talk about educating such people, right? Then why dont we give them enough resources for the same? Do this, and most of India's problems would be tackled...
14 comments:
Very well said mukta.
However 60% of reservation on any basis is very high. If it has to be there, then on basis of economic conditions, that too it should be like a scholarships. No system is prefect and hence even this will not be. However it will be better than what we have here.
hey mukta,
i agree with you 100% that whatever reservation must be there, that should be for the Economically Backward class. But I would like to point out one more thing that there should not be a fixed quota for them, but depending on their merit (as compared to "normal" students), they should be given financial aid rather than a quota in the total admissions. This makes more sense for me.
to teja2001 & navin:
the economically backward class cannot compete with the normal students, and hence you provide quota for them... if they could compete, there would be no reason to reserve seats for them... they need to be pushed fwd, encouraged to study...
do you know that women in maharashtra have free education (tuition fees are waived off) till 12th std. for ppl coming from big cities, does this make a difference? but it makes a big difference to women of rural areas! so here again, the division on basis of sex, for waiving off such fees is beneficial to the economically backward class.
study the analysis of ppl living below the poverty line in india. "gareebi hatao", they say... how? educate them... they will become rich in thoughts atleast!
well, having reservations for economically backward people is a better idea than the existing system. but when you say economically backward, how much "backward" do you exactly mean? govt. of india defines that as annual salary less than 50000 Rs. per year. Now, there are millions of indians who can't even earn that much. but then, there are many others who earn more than that but still can't afford higher education. (eg. cost of engg or medicine)
so, coming up with a reasonable definition of economic backwardness might be a big problem in itself, esp in a country like india
of course, that still remains the best solution in present scenario...
I agree with partial reservations for economically underpreviliged students.. 60% being a wee bit too much wot? though I have always thought that having more merit based scholarships/assistantships in the Indian education system would be a good idea too... unless it becomes just another excuse for favoritism and money making ..
Muktha!
You are right, There should be 60% reservations in schools, colleges and offices... But this should be reserved to a different division of people- "The Economically Backward Class".
But..., The system should be changed, otherwise we can't find who is exaclty "The Economically Backward Class". I observed in my village (A small remote place) one person got income certificate as 10000/- PA, with influence, but his original income is more than 50000/- per month.
And also, we should have quality education in schools. Most of the Govt. teachers are not ready to provide that. You can observe this in villages.
The only solution is... we should change the mindset of people... they think 'Govt. job is great and secured....'. this should be chaged. My friend, One Govt. employee, told me that "you, private employee's, should work hard... and we, Govt. employee's, work hardly"
lets keep aside theoery and get down to some facts & reality...
go out there in some slum area and get a list of 1000 names... more than 950 are going to be BC, SC, NT,... i doubt if u will find any kulkarnis, joshis, kumars or aroras... ha ha
go in some posh locality and get a list of 1000 names... there might be just one-odd kamble who came up by stealing seats via goverment sponsored theft...
As of today, Backward-caste is no different than economically-Backward-class .... so your suggestion gives practically indifferent results from current scenario....
after 50 yrs, suppose these equations change... (few more BCs & SCs in top ranks & more few more brahmans & shatriyas in slums) .... then may be your theorotical ideas would become meaningful...
Mr Anonymus,
I know a millionaire Kambli , And hell yeah I know a a billionaire Patil too.
Any justification ????
If you are still thinking that all Kamblis and Patils live in a slum..way to go...U need to update yourself.
Economically Backward is a good solution but again...its too relative.
To Anonymous-1:
about your comment on 1000 names in slum, though i do not agree, i wont comment, as i do not have definite proof or idea.
but i completely disagree with ur statistics about the ppl staying in a plush society... i'd suggest u go back and question the person who must have fed you with such wrong and provoking information...
hence i believe we shud have norms that would educate the economically deprived people in india and not the backward caste, else what we generate is people who not even develop the aptitude to think and validate before they comment... and thats the very reason so many "thinkers" are against such reservations...
Another thing I observed when I started my studies here at UI was the expectations of a student. Back in India, an undergrad is (almost always) sponsored by his* parents, and all he has to do is attend classes and study. Out here, students not only study, but they also work, in all sorts of jobs from hauling food between the trucks and the canteen to driving Cambuses (campus buses). There are students at the library desks, shop counters, food store counters, and almost any place you may think of. If undergrads here can fund their own education, be it with the assistance of loans, why can't graduates and post graduates back home do the same? While I admit that the pay is lesser and the jobs are harder to get by, I firmly believe that it is the mindset of the people regarding the education system that needs to be tweaked a little - and we'll eventually get there!
* his means his or her
@vivek: great point... i agree!
Against reservation (petition online) Please click on the link below to put your vote against the reservation issue. http://www.petitiononline.com/ecoreser/petition.html
We urge the Government of India to reconsider its decision to increase the quota in Central Government Institutes.
We urge the Government of India to re evaluate the efficacy of reservation as a tool of social justice and equality.
We urge the political parties to help the backward classes rise to the level of competition instead of lowering the bar itself.
We urge the authorities to ensure that the brand and quality of education never be compromised.
We appeal to the citizens of the county to play a proactive role in the society by coming forward and taking the responsibility.
Please cast your vote against the reservation issue through this link http://www.petitiononline.com/arb06/petition.html
I would like to live in a society where there are no reservations of any kind.
All have same level playing field!
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