Quota and caste

 

The assertion in the article, “Reinforcing caste hierarchies” (Editorial page, July 9) is that “reservation is not the real answer” though in the context of its latest avatar, the Maratha quota, is a good enough reason to revisit the time when it was first introduced. At that time, this short-term special measure was intended to bring the ‘backward’ sections to a level that was on a par with others. That it continues and expands is an indication of the failure of the scheme. Instead of there being a scientific assessment, the issue has been treated politically. To perpetuate the short-term plan and to expand it in all directions are the hallmarks of vote-bank politics. How it reduces the ‘merit’ element in education, the bureaucracy, legislature and other sections is a governance issue. This is the reason why caste hierarchies continue and are reinforced. Only proper Constitutional amendments to delete discriminatory provisions can help progress.

P.R.V. Raja,

Pandalam, Kerala

 

The objective of reservation was to uplift the ‘downtrodden’ and not to encourage indiscriminate profiteering at the expense of deserving candidates. The system today not only strengthens the caste divide but also creates resentment in communities unable to reap the benefits of reservation. It may not be an exaggeration to say that ‘brain drain’ is a consequence of the reservation system. Capable students prefer to move abroad where their work and capabilities are rewarded.

Kshitij Mani Tripathi,

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh