Honey,I shrunk the seats!

It is Mandal Commission revisited.

The proposal to introduce 27% reservation for OBCs in 20 central universities, IITs and IIMs woke me rudely from my deep slumber. This proposal which is currently awaiting approval from the Manmohan Singh cabinet just made getting into the IIMs more difficult for people like me. People who unfortunately don't belong to the SC,ST or OBC. My father didn't help either by not serving in the armed forces. Nor am I handicapped(atleast physically). So I don't possess any of the qualities needed to make into our premier B schools.

Before you go ahead and label me a high caste, upper middle class, IT savvy, GenNext selfish guy, let me set some facts straight. My Dad comes from a family that didn't have enough money for two square meals a day, no money to buy books, no money for medicine. And his being a Brahmin never made things easier for him. But he had a dream which he chased and fulfilled. And he has given his children quality education and a good lives. So I am not really a guy who has always been seated on the ivory tower, unaffected by the "ground" realities.

Now, for the proposal that will make the overall quotas to go above 50%. The question uppermost on my mind is the purpose and timing of this announcement.If the purpose of it is to bring up those from backward sections of society,then I ask why the quota system that was incorporated by Mahatama Gandhi for a 10 year period is still in existence? Are not 60 odd years enough time to make all of us equal in terms of opportunity? Why is that despite this quota being present not many from these classes have actually benefited? Why is that like all good things in India this has also been concentrated to only a few? And why is it that this proposal has come just a few days before 5 states in India go for election? Another point to note is that the ruling party which has power at the centre has been losing the state elections regularly. These are some questions I would want everyone to consider before jingoism prevails.

If the reason is upliftment,then I am all for it. I just ask our leaders to make sure that it actually works and everyone has the opportunity to improve their living standards. It shouldn't be a political gimmick which serves the purpose of the political class and leaves the deserving in a hapless position. This proposal is more important in the present scenario when Indians are carving a niche for themselves in the world arena,with the alumunus from IITs/IIMs at the forefront. The mind boggling salaries offered across the Indian B schools this year were not based on the criterion of caste but ability. Why shouldn't merit be the sole criterion to get admission to these hallowed portals?

Upliftment of the downtrodden or less privileged is not something that should be thought of only when it is time to get votes. Neither can it be achieved at the top. If there really is a concern for them it should begin at the grass roots. Free education should be rendered at least till 8th standard, it should be ensured that teachers actually come to class in government schools, medical facilities should be available to all those too poor to avail of them, female infanticide should be banned.

Establishing quotas is not the panacea for all evils. And even if there needs to be some quota,shouldn't it be on financial lines(quotas for those who don't have money to eat or get decent education) than based on casteism?