Tap to Read ➤

Effects of Reservation Quota on Careers

Gaynor Borade
Reservation quota refers to seats being 'reserved' in educational institutions and companies for a certain segment or segments of society. The identified 'underprivileged' lot are given the opportunity to aim higher, but not without debate.
Reservation is the outcome of the traditional minority issue. In countries where the population is divided along communal lines, the number game sets in, and is the case in a number of colonized nations. Reservation, today, is introduced for welfare purposes and the social nourishment of backward classes. The initial aim behind the concept for communal disharmony has changed to ensure that reservation or quota is directed towards a representation on the basis of proportion.
The quota system is supposed to be applied from a welfare prospective, to assert certain provisions for the ascendance of depressed classes. The guidelines for governance of the system though is under scrutiny. People feel differently about integrating members from these societies into mainstream politics, education, and vocation.
This is mainly due to the corruption that has set in with the revised system. The implementation of the system is not proper. The primary objective of improving the standard of living of these people now exists in the shadows of infringes and irrelevant classification.
Students who live in an urban and secular environment find themselves robbed off the seats segregated in schools and colleges on the basis of caste, religion, and race. The very purpose of studying hard to secure admission in educational institutions is defeated.
Even in the work arena, special provisions to help the socially and educationally backward citizens are depriving quite a few candidates who really work hard to land the jobs they desire. After spending time, energy, and money on courses and additional educational qualifications, they discover that the quota system beat them to the door.
The legislature and judiciary have to be in sync and very focused when defining the application, intent, and estimated result of the reservation or quota system. A provision could be extended from time to time, but as a mandatory rule, litigation becomes complex. Court rulings on overall percentage of reservation in any related area should ideally be fixed.
It is in the absence of due consideration that many members of the worker and student communities prefer to do without the social progress angle. They feel deprived and cheated in the light of the efforts they have made to secure a seat.
It is plain to see and feel for the pathetic plight of the backward classes. Every nation strives to achieve an 'equal opportunity for all' rostrum. However, in view of the general mindset today, governments should consider defined reservation facilities. The opportunity should not be biased or one that ripples out in the form of subsequent inequality.
It is the feeling of being cheated while trying to integrate these 'backward class' members of society that results in bitterness and anti-reservation support.
The percentage of seats reserved in educational institutions and government undertakings should be revised to accommodate the minority groups, along with women, handicapped, and deserving candidates from the regular 'majority' group.
Reservation for social development in the case of leadership for the country is highly debatable. The quota system simply generates scope for the presence of 'special' candidates alongside those holding high merit, on the same rostrum. The modern world is one of equal opportunity.
Effectively, the globalization and technological era should be capitalized on via individual interest and judicial decisions that are designed devoid of political interest. The focus on quality and standard makes it difficult to accept the quota system. This system has been generated to rehabilitate the relatively backward classes of society.
However, it should remain sensitive to opportunities in various fields, development of the nation, and correct application of the class legislation. The implementation should be reasonable, while addressing social welfare.