There aren’t many people in India who would disagree with the fact, and I call it a “fact” for specific reasons, that the OBC population is more than the proposed 27% reservation for them in the institutes of higher learning such as the IITs and the IIMs. But still the Supreme Court has not decided to step on the gas. The government is not ready to listen and so is even the opposition. Why not? Who does not want the votes of those of whom a large chunk goes to vote? But still the question remains in front of all, is quota the only solution? Or should I put it in another way, as, is quota the solution to this age old problem of social and economic inequality?
I do agree with the intent of the policy makers, if at all they have one. But the way they are planning, if at all they have made any plans for it, to implement it, is completely out of my senses. Today we do not need a system where the institutes of higher learning should be made a mockery in the hands of the political parties and be run on the whims and fancies of one man with whom no one could disagree for obvious reasons. In fact, the Planning Commission would itself agree with me and would even support me with its findings. A little less than one third of the primary school teachers have not themselves completed higher education, more than one third of the children who have passed 4th standard can not read a small paragraph meant to be read by a child of 2nd standard and more than half of these children cannot divide a three digit number by a one digit number. This is where the problem lies. How can one even think of fruits from a tree which has been uprooted long back and is just standing some how because of some weak supports which can fall any day?
The truth is that the foundation of the Indian education system is weak. The government needs to revamp the whole system. It is time for an education overhaul and the first step should be in the direction of quality primary education for all. If this is done effectively, there would be no need for a quota system for these candidates in the institutes of higher learning. The government must encourage non-profit organizations to come forward and take part in such initiatives which aim to build a better future for the backward classes by building their tomorrow and empowering them to build a good future for themselves instead indulging in vote-bank politics. Meritocracy is the need in certain areas and mediocrity can be accepted in the others. But there is a need to identify the two and act accordingly. Only then can we truly achieve the goal with which this whole concept of reservations was framed!
So what exactly is the solution? Well, clearly there isn’t a good primary education system for the poor and the backward classes. So, first of all the government needs to initiate schemes for developing the same and allocate more resources towards this direction. Secondly, it must understand that there are jobs like those of major medical professionals which need to be performed by meritorious candidates passing out of elite institutes such as AIIMS and there are some jobs such as those of production and electrical engineers at the sites of various private and PSU units which can be done by an average professional who has the basic knowledge and skills and thus can be done by people passing out through the reserved seats from other institutes. This is the simple principle of “mediocrity and meritocracy”. Once implemented, it will guarantee equality and would also ensure that institutes of higher learning do not lose their identity in the eyes of the people. Moreover, it is the right approach to bring about the cause for which reservations were first introduced. Thus, it is time for the government to change its course of action. Else, the power of electorate can do wonders, any day.
Written By: The People's Pen
I do agree with the intent of the policy makers, if at all they have one. But the way they are planning, if at all they have made any plans for it, to implement it, is completely out of my senses. Today we do not need a system where the institutes of higher learning should be made a mockery in the hands of the political parties and be run on the whims and fancies of one man with whom no one could disagree for obvious reasons. In fact, the Planning Commission would itself agree with me and would even support me with its findings. A little less than one third of the primary school teachers have not themselves completed higher education, more than one third of the children who have passed 4th standard can not read a small paragraph meant to be read by a child of 2nd standard and more than half of these children cannot divide a three digit number by a one digit number. This is where the problem lies. How can one even think of fruits from a tree which has been uprooted long back and is just standing some how because of some weak supports which can fall any day?
The truth is that the foundation of the Indian education system is weak. The government needs to revamp the whole system. It is time for an education overhaul and the first step should be in the direction of quality primary education for all. If this is done effectively, there would be no need for a quota system for these candidates in the institutes of higher learning. The government must encourage non-profit organizations to come forward and take part in such initiatives which aim to build a better future for the backward classes by building their tomorrow and empowering them to build a good future for themselves instead indulging in vote-bank politics. Meritocracy is the need in certain areas and mediocrity can be accepted in the others. But there is a need to identify the two and act accordingly. Only then can we truly achieve the goal with which this whole concept of reservations was framed!
So what exactly is the solution? Well, clearly there isn’t a good primary education system for the poor and the backward classes. So, first of all the government needs to initiate schemes for developing the same and allocate more resources towards this direction. Secondly, it must understand that there are jobs like those of major medical professionals which need to be performed by meritorious candidates passing out of elite institutes such as AIIMS and there are some jobs such as those of production and electrical engineers at the sites of various private and PSU units which can be done by an average professional who has the basic knowledge and skills and thus can be done by people passing out through the reserved seats from other institutes. This is the simple principle of “mediocrity and meritocracy”. Once implemented, it will guarantee equality and would also ensure that institutes of higher learning do not lose their identity in the eyes of the people. Moreover, it is the right approach to bring about the cause for which reservations were first introduced. Thus, it is time for the government to change its course of action. Else, the power of electorate can do wonders, any day.
Written By: The People's Pen
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