Dear Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam,
President of India
This is regarding the present raging controversy of ‘Reservations’.
Sir, The present system of Reservations has been institutionalised to achieve what is called ‘Social Justice’.The concept of Social Justice has been misused by the politicians to achieve Votebank ends.
The Constitution, when drafted, has taken into account scenario prevailing in 1950.It was probably, in the context of that day, desirable. Subsequently, much water flowed under the Yamuna.
The socio-economic patterns have changed a lot. The two tumbler system, untouchability, barring of entry to temples and many other social evils have been abolished. While ‘castes’ as a social denominator could probably have been a reasonable basis in 1947, today clearly they are outdated. Even if one does not agree to this , one has to agree to the fact that the Mandal Commission was drafted so long ago that, its findings on socio-economic indicators are .today, challengable.
There are many today belonging to castes which enjoy Reservation in Educational institutions and Government employment but who are wealthy enough to not deserve Reservations. Yet, they claim the crutch of reservation, at the cost of a meritorious student.
The Constitution was drafted to aid the so-called downtrodden castes of the society at the cost of the other castes, who are also Indian Citizens and who contribute to the Nation and yet are denied the right to equal opportunity.
While one must admit that the Lower Castes have during the Pre-Independence era has suffered discrimination, two wrongs do not make a right.
Brain Drain
Sir, you are a scientist par excellence and have worked for ISRO and Indian Defence programmes and you have seen many young Indian scientists working for India. I am sure; you have also watched helplessly when brilliant Indian minds go abroad and work for Foreign Governments and even worse, Foreign Space and Defence. I leave it to you to wonder why they left India and what caste they belonged to.
Sir, you are a qualified person to estimate the kind of progress, India would have made if all these persons had been provided opportunity in India.
Brain in the Drain
The immediate impact of Reservations in Higher Education is the dilution of quality of students. An impact of this will be the motivation levels of a teacher. The global reputation of an institution say like an IIT, IIM or IISc is badly affected.
Candidates who have secured seats in premier institutions through quota have been known to commit suicide because they have not been able to cope up with high standards of excellence. Any argument of Social Justice is Absurd here.
India- Education is Revered
Indian society has always revered education in all its forms. Which is probably one reason why Governments in India subsidies Higher Education. Poor Meritorious Individuals (whatever the caste) have utilised these subsidies and made a mark in their career thereby uplifting themselves and their families.
In other societies, say American, State does not subsidies Higher Education. However, they take it upon themselves to provide free and compulsory primary education to every child. Even meritorious students need to pay for Higher Education.
However, our system provided for subsidy and meritocracy resulting in Brilliant output.
Now, the policy of ‘social justice’ will destroy the same. So-called social justice is now Social Injustice.
Votebank Politics
In the face of severe protests, clearly, sir, you can see that the proposed policy of Arjun Singh and Co. is not ideal and not welcomed by most students and large sections of society. In fact refusal to consider some of the alternatives is a clear indication of Votebank Politics practised by Arjun Singh and Manmohan Singh of the Congress Government.
Some of the Alternatives that can be considered are-
Free and Compulsory Education
The arguments of Social Justice and right to equal opportunity have some relevance considering historical backgrounds. However, this can be compensated by providing free and compulsory school (primary and secondary) education. This provides a young person with enough skills to take up a career and earn his bread. Higher Education is no place to achieve Social Justice.
The innovative Finance Minister recently introduced an all pervasive Education cess collecting several hundred crores. This money can be easily utilised for purpose of free and compulsory education to EVERY child in India.
Economic criteria for Reservations
Social Justice is achieved when economically poorer sections of Society are empowered to live a dignified way of life. Poorer sections of society may belong t any caste. The present policy and the proposed policy is CRIMNAL injustice to the poor amongst the castes not entitled for reservation
Stop with First Generation beneficiaries
If Social Justice has to serve its purpose the fruits of Reservations should stop with the First generation beneficiaries. Else it might lead to intra-caste wars.
Limitation on Reservation
Reservation, as envisaged by Ambedkar, was for a limited period. What is the limitation period proposed now?
Sir, Did you check on this before you assented to the Bill?
Right to Equal Opportunities
The phrase “Right to Equal Opportunities” is (deliberately) misunderstood. So-called Activists are raising demands for reservation in judiciary and civil services. You will agree with me, sir that it is the state’s responsibility to provide for a dignified life to all its citizens and the means for them to earn a honest living. However, it is not and SHOULD NOT be the concern of the state to expect or even aim that all denominations of its citizenry should be represented in all walks of life in the same proportion as the population.
Sir, Communities have inherent strengths and weaknesses. It is most often found that communities operate in their domain of strength. That is why, some communities are entrepreneurial, while some are academic, while some other communities may excel in physically-demanding professions. India needs to build on its strength, not weaknesses.
The Constitutional Amendment has undesirable consequences for India and upsets the level playing field.
Reservation in Private Sector
The Government has no moral right to impose quotas on the private sector which began thriving after the Government decided to become less interventionist. This move can hit the core of our competitiveness and lead to flight of capital by FIIs and FDI investors.
President of India – Unique Position.
Sir, we have read that you have assented to the Bill only after seeking explanations from the Prime Minister. Yet, we are disappointed that you have approved the Bill. Sir, please think about the future of India, the merits of our argument and please revisit your conscience.
You, as educationist, as space scientist, as defence expert are in a unique position to assess the needs of India.
You, as President of India, are known to be impartial and known to take decisions where no political party can accuse of as being partial.
You are in yet another unique position. You are, by religion, a Muslim. None can accuse you of taking decision that are favouring either this caste or that caste.
Kindly do whatever is possible to protect the rights of those who have no protection of Reservation. Kindly save India.
I, represent a whole set of young citizens who demand to know. Your response is keenly awaited. We would not mind meeting you to impress on you our concern of the situation whose gravity we believe you know.
Thanking you
Regards,
Pavan N Rao
and other Concerned Citizens
aarakshan , meeslaithi
