The fact that 48.5 per cent of posts reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in 24 Central universities remained vacant in 2010-11 demonstrates the sad plight of these sections (“Battling bias,” July 6). Only children of the SCs, the STs, the OBCs and the minorities study in government schools today. The functioning of these institutions and the quality of education are in serious jeopardy, thanks to the ruling elite’s indifference to the oppressed sections and their patronage to private educational institutions. Dalits and Adivasis carry the additional baggage of social stigma. This prevents them from taking up teaching positions in premier institutions. Only education and empowerment guaranteeing self-respect will improve their situation.
A. Raghunatha Reddy,
Kadapa
While the reservation policy has played a pivotal role in the educational and economic empowerment of Dalits, their social status still leaves a lot to be desired. Unless there is a favourable attitudinal shift towards the marginalised sections, there will hardly be a discernible improvement in their social status. That the fight for social acceptance and dignified living of Dalits and tribals has not ended even after six decades of independence is a sad commentary on our democracy.
M. Jeyaram,
Sholavandan
“Quality” is a word used by the ‘upper’ caste to evade government action or brush aside criticism on not filling up SC and ST vacancies. In a multicultural society, every section should be given representation in all fields. That is the only way to attain an egalitarian society. Our country is moving away from this policy and will pay the price for it.
A. Selva Sharma,
Coimbatore
