RESERVATION QUOTA - A NEW OUTLOOK

Many of us in the Open or General category wish that only if we could have belonged to Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe or Other Backward Class (SC/ST/OBC) in the current scenario. It’s true even if many may negate this fact; however truth always has a rough base. We need to apprehend the fact that just by rebuking the issue and criticizing the Government of India for the current state of this country and blaming them for not looking into the core issues that needs urgent consideration will not change how this country functions. Team Anna and Arvind Kejriwal along with Kiran Bedi and Prashant Bhushan are deserted individuals till the time we as citizens of this great nation bring some alteration in our thought process.

In the days of Dr. Ambedkar, MK Gandhi and Nehru, backward class citizens were of grave concern as then we were slaves to the mighty British Empire. Social status, caste discrimination, poverty, female foeticide, inequality have been a part of Indian culture since long. Thus, Dr. Ambedkar, humble enough to fight for the under privileged brought about a revolution to help the backward community to justice and to win them basic rights as human beings. Reservation took birth here, it was right then, in those times, but we need to learn that India has progressed a long way from those troubled days and today has become a nation that every country has an eye on. Reservation was introduced with a view to give the backward class an opportunity and means to progress socially as well as economically. Initially reservation was implemented for a short finite duration, but today it has become the trump card for Indian politicians.

History should be changed and it can happen only when there are alternative thoughts running in our minds and not by cursing the situation. Reservation for SC/ST/OBC for admission into top colleges, government Jobs, for promotion in state government jobs, concession in travelling etc. has handicapped our progress and has forced many talented, well deserving individuals to bow their knee for less and to be underemployed regardless of their potentiality.

Let’s not overlook the fact that majority of the Indian population still belongs to the poor community, irrespective of one belonging to Upper or Lower caste. ‘Adivasis’ still battle for basic social privileges and recognition, reservation will do no good to the country in today’s economic scenario but other measures needs to be found out to help such concerns to be eliminated from this nation.

FUTURE CHANGE TO THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT

 

1)      Education is the main reason for poverty and more than half of the over billion population of India do not have access to education. Literacy will help gain knowledge to tackle social issues as these. Government should take stringent measures to provide platform for every individual born in this country to compulsorily gain education till 12^th standard. Schooling is an important phase of life as we learn basic values and much more in general at this level and a right and powerful education will help create great citizens tomorrow.

2)      For people below poverty line provide free education till their graduation phase. Many may argue on the funding for this free education, it’s a valid question; hence we have multi-billion enterprises to whom we can enforce law to spend for educational development of the country. Government has to ensure that it does not burden the enterprises and hence a 0.25% or 0.5% of their basic profits would be handsome contribution.

3)      For committed below poverty line parents who wish for their child’s development in better environment, provide clause for minimal fees in private institutions but on merit basis alone.

4)      Provide for required stationary and syllabus books for children born to parents below poverty line.

5)      Keep strict selection process for quality teachers willing to educate the new generation (quality of professors and their qualification is a matter of concern as on today.)

6)      Change education pattern for the students and constantly change the syllabus to meet existing economic status quo. (Education system authorities should put deep thoughts on this account.)

7)      All foreign companies earning from Indian consumers should be made to pay a part of their huge chunks of profits for improving the literacy status of the country and for the sum provided, government should ensure tax benefits to such companies which will encourage them in taking part in this initiative.

8)      Recent FDI approval will see billions of foreign funds flowing into the Indian Financial System which will help in easing inflation, providing quality products at low cost and increase employment opportunities for many. Government may lay conditions for contributions from these giants.

9)      An individual body of learned individuals to be appointed to manage funds for these initiatives and proper accountability of every penny inflow and utilisation to be made in books of accounts and also to be made available on demand as per RTI act. No ministers to be involved in this body selection and ensure no rights to any person of any political party to influence and practice their power.

10)   Tax levied on every individual falling in the 10%, 20% and 30% tax bracket, 2% to 3% of the total sum of the tax collected in a financial year to be utilised for infrastructure development of our education system (schools, universities, libraries, etc.)

11)   Remove the reservation legislation from the Indian constitution and ensure equal rights to every individual on merits and enforce a proper channel for tracking of avoidance of this social evil of caste discrimination.

12)   Removal of Reservation will increase competition and give rise to more worthy entrepreneurs and leaders than goons who survive on the Reservation benefits.

Reservation quotas were introduced to eliminate discrimination and inequality but let’s interrogate ourselves and ask has it really fulfilled the purpose. Today the benefits SC/ST/OBC gain has made the Open or General category look like the real under privileged sections of the society. Recently a bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha to provide reservation for SC/ST for promotion in Government Jobs, is this really a concern for the citizens of India or is it the quality of life we need, medical facilities we seek, security we strive for from the security agencies of this country and a government who is for the citizens and not for itself. It’s time for reality check.

LET'S VOICE OUT FOR A BETTER TOMORROW.