Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Clamour for ST status

Whatever the final outcome of the Gujjar agitation, it highlights one important point — that India is the only country in the world where there is a craze for getting a backward class status. Is the Scheduled Tribes status a panacea to the Gujjars’ backwardness? Will the status assure them equal opportunities, socially and economically? The Gujjar agitation is the result of a foolish promise made by the BJP to garner votes. Now, the Rajasthan government has been forced to swallow its words.

As for the benefits accompanying the ST status, if they are so attractive and can remove backwardness, why not extend them to the needy based on their economic status? Why not review and recommend some fruitful measures to really uplift the backward?

P. Ravikumar,

Warangal

I appeal to the government to withdraw all concessions and reservation based on caste. It should, instead, extend benefits to the people living below the poverty line.

Cajetan Peter D’Souza,

Mumbai

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