I wonder why there is such a hue and cry over the proposal to amend the Constitution to give reservation to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in promotions in government service. Nobody has any issue with caste-based matrimonials, caste-based candidate selection by political parties, caste-based constituencies, caste-based associations and groups in educational institutions and workplace, caste-based parties, caste-based violence (as in Dharmapuri), caste-based discrimination, caste-based occupation (almost all manual scavengers belong to the SCs), and even caste-based burial grounds.
The SCs and the STs start their career late because many of them are first generation employees who have benefited from the reservation policy. Their inherent disability, which prevents them from climbing the ladder of hierarchy, can be addressed by the proposed amendment.
Aravinth Mahesh M.S.,
Puthukadai
The state’s responsibility lies in striving to promote the uplift of the backward sections — created by our political leaders to gain benefits and win vote banks — by creating infrastructure in health, education, and making sub-plans in the budget. The proposed amendment will come in the way of achieving a casteless society.
T.M.S.R. Teja,
Kothapeta
