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Reservation debate

Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh's denial of the Election Commission's charge that he violated the model code of conduct is amusing. Thousands of viewers watched him talk on television of the proposal to reserve 27 per cent seats for the OBCs in Central educational institutions, including IITs and IIMs. The report that the Manmohan Singh Government is puzzled at the Commission's decision to call for an explanation is equally amusing because it was the Minister's conduct that is puzzling.

M.N. Sundararaman,
Chennai

The article "Lessons from the new intolerance" (April 12) unfairly accuses the opponents of reservation of intolerance. It is articles like these that are intolerant and pour scorn on those who express their apprehension about the havoc that mindless extension of reservation can wreak on institutions of excellence.

S. Gurumurthy,
Chennai

Nobody questions the basic objective of reservation. It is the motive behind bringing the matter up at this juncture that is suspect. It is unfortunate that the article fails to emphasise the inexcusable neglect of primary and secondary education of SCs, STs, and OBCs by successive governments at the Centre and in the States since independence. Why have the elected representatives of the lower castes not sincerely worked towards improving primary and secondary education?

K.V. Chalam,
New Delhi

There are many among SCs, STs, and OBCs who can do without reservation. A father benefits from reservation and his son gets a level-playing field. He is therefore a more equal competitor.

J. Vani,
Mysore

The article betrays intolerance towards those who question the wisdom and motive of reservation for OBCs. It is silent on the necessity for perpetuating the reservation regime though the Constitution originally envisaged a time-frame for it. Successive generations claim and enjoy reservation, never becoming part of the mainstream.

A.P. Govindankutty,
Cheruthuruthy, Kerala

It would be incorrect to stifle disapproval of such half-hearted measures taken for purely political reasons. In our anxiety to support the cause, we should not drown the opposition to the incorrect means adopted.

K. Srinivasaraghavan,
Chennai

Assuming that the powers-that-be have thought through reservation for OBCs completely, one still finds it difficult to fathom how this will achieve the intended objective. It is common knowledge that many OBC communities are at the top of the power structure today. If anything, reservation should be increased for the SCs and STs.

Sanjeev Sayeeraman,
Sunnyvale, California

To argue that in today's India, the OBCs, an amorphous group that includes powerful land owning classes, are in need of reservation is incorrect. Nobody denies there is a wide social disparity in our country. What is required is a twin strategy: access and empowerment. Guaranteeing access alone will not solve the problem.

Srinivasan Venkataraman,
Petaluma, California

The article holds a searchlight on many vital aspects, which were drowned in the orchestrated media blitz on the proposed move. In a society like ours, affirmative action is unavoidable. However, reserving a few seats in Central educational institutions is hardly the answer.

Manohar Alembath,
Chennai

Reservation for the OBCs is neither constitutionally nor theoretically wrong. The creamy layer aspect should not be exaggerated because backwardness pertains to social, not economic, backwardness.

Prashant Rahul,
Bangalore

For admissions to IITs and IIMs, all students will have to cross a cut-off barrier. No one can do this unless he or she is bright and meritorious. As the number of seats is limited in these institutes, there will be a scramble among thousands of candidates from each category. Only the top scorers will make it. Where is the scope for compromising merit?

V. Nantha Kumar,
Chennai

The editorial "Protecting islands of excellence" (April 11) was indeed well written. Instead of meddling with the admission policies of IITs and IIMs, the Government should consider setting up coaching centres for the benefit of eligible students from backward classes. The aim should be the pursuit of globally competitive standards right from the level of admission. Achievement of social objectives need not necessarily lead to the watering down of the standards already achieved.

M. Arthanari,
Burton on Trent, Denver

The achievement of Sarath Babu of IIM Ahmedabad should be an eye-opener for the younger generation. It proves that even the downtrodden can scale great heights with perseverance and liberal assistance from banks.

S. Vijaya Srinivasan,
Chennai

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