Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Regressive move

The move to reserve seats will ruin the prospects of talented youth. IITs and IIMs will continue to remain outside the reach of the backward among the OBCs because what they need most is primary education and living amenities rather than admission into the premier institutes. Secondly, students who deserve admission on merit will be denied it because they do not belong to a particular caste. Most importantly, the move will kindle animosity for some in the hearts of others.

Anshuman Johri,
Pune

Reservation is not a bad idea even in IITs and IIMs. However, the percentage of reservation and the target group must be clearly identified. Reservation for OBCs, which has been in existence in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for a long time, has benefited only those who are capable of getting admission in the general category. It is this creamy layer that frustrates people by competing in both the general and reserved category. Any reservation policy that does not address this aspect is dangerous.

C. Venkatagiri,
Noida, U.P.

It is difficult to derive any substantial benefit from the IITs or any institution of higher learning without a minimal level of preparation, however innately able one is. The effect of societal inequalities must be reduced at a much earlier stage. Reservation will only create huge disparities within the student community.

Aswin Kumar,
Chennai

If the Government wants to help the backward, it should subsidise their education, give them books free of cost but also let them compete with other aspirants. This will uphold their self-esteem. Reservation will never earn them respect in society.

Debarshi Chakraborty,
Pune

Reservation on a large scale will demoralise eligible candidates who will have to contest for even fewer seats. IITs and IIMs have acquired a brand image that needs to be protected, rather than exploited. The Government with its myopic vision is killing the goose that has been laying golden eggs.

Raghu Kumar Mittal,
New Delhi

The Constitution guaranteed reservation only as a temporary measure. This should not be continued forever. Secondly, only the socially and educationally backward communities such as the SCs and the STs need reservation. OBCs cannot be considered educationally and socially backward. Finally, caste-based reservation is unjust as it encourages dependence on government. It also negates the noble ideal of creating a casteless society, as enshrined in our Constitution.

S. Harini,
Chennai

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