Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Reasonable proposal

This refers to the two-part series, `Meeting the challenge of Mandal-II' and `Reservation — an alternative proposal' (May 22, 23). The authors have proposed the prototype of a highly reasonable scheme, which, albeit with some refinement based on facts, can accommodate the aspirations of students from all backgrounds. The viability of the proposal lies in the fact that, theoretically at least, there is room for everyone and the quota system gets abolished. Implementation will, however, be a big challenge.

K.N. Chidambareswaran,
Coimbatore

It is implementable but it is very unlikely to find favour with the political class, which is not really for a just system. What is sought to be perpetuated is a system in which one well-off class is intent on taking away a slice of the pie from another well-off class.

N.K. Raghavendran,
Bangalore

The main challenge will come from the opportunistic, divisive, vote bank politics practised by our leaders. I believe that the pro-reservation groups will object to the 80:20 merit to social disadvantage ratio. They may ask for 60:40. Affirmative action with a strong, unbiased political will behind it will help.

Sambi Reddy Endreddy,
Hyderabad

The article is interesting. However, it is surprising that it makes no mention of the need for equal opportunities in primary and secondary education as a long-term solution to the problem. Even if reservation is implemented, the Government should reduce this basic imbalance in school education so that reservation is eventually phased out.

Vivek Jayaraman,
Chennai

It appears that the authors want to build their case while keeping the caste structure intact. Allocation of points based on caste or community and grading them by their relative representations in higher education will only increase the existing inequalities. Finally, the proposal appears convoluted with several immeasurable parameters built into it.

K. Saumya,
Mumbai

Six decades of reservation for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in higher education and government jobs has not seen any drastic improvement in their living conditions. This is because the few dominant castes among these communities are reaping the benefits of reservation. Unless these castes are removed from the list of SC, ST and OBCs, the situation will remain unchanged.

Prabhakar Singh,
New Delhi

Our only question to those protesting against the reservation policy is: How can the discrimination and oppression that continued for centuries, in every aspect of life, be ended in just 50 to 60 years through half-hearted measures?

Manuel Dias & Ameya T.S. Pawar,
Pune

The Government can think of providing free education and financial incentives to all OBC students, including free coaching to make them compete with others on merit to enter prestigious institutions. Increasing the general category seats is no solution at all.

C. Lakshmi Narain,
Chennai

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