OBC Reservations
The Apex Court verdict upholding the controversial law providing for 27 per cent reservations for OBCs in the Central Educational Institutions including IITs and IIMs is a major victory for the UPA government. It is a consolation that the 'creamy layer' among the backwards will not get reservation, though some of the Dalit leaders may pursue for its inclusion. It is highlighted in the judgment that reservation is one of the many tools used to preserve essence of equality, so that disadvantaged groups can be brought to the forefront of civil life. Eloquent arguments can be had to favour both sides of contenders. Nor it is possible to give a judgment which is acceptable to both sides.OBC candidates. had been suffering privations over long priods because of their peculiar status in the society and the constituition itself provides for safeguards for people of SC-ST denominations. On the other side, there are brilliant and eligible candidates in the so called upper castes and to deny them chances for higher education may be a travesty. Democracy is all about debates and decisions on public concerns as reflected in the 93rd Amendment and Central Educational Institutions Act. It certainly upholds the laudable effort of the governmnet to translate the vision to promote the co-ownership of the elements of democracy by the backward classes. A corollary to the concession for the OBCs may be the call for reservations for the poor among the forward classes. Plea for inclusion of the creamy layer would be an absurdity and a shocking aberration. It can provoke an endless debate as the decision has opened a Pandora's box.
Dr.A.R.K.Pillai
Mumbai 11-4-08 Email ID idfark@gmail.com
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1 comment:
Sir,your observations are well knit and reflect public thoughts!
As you rightly point out Supreme Court has done a balancing act in providing the necessary platform for OBC san creamy layer to join the race with their elite neighbours which would ultimately lead to the economic development of the country.The judgment should be hailed in the background of upholding the constitution in providing equal opppurtunities to all.
The flip side would remain
1. whether this OBC quota of 27% would ever be filled or they would go vacant as seen in the past.
2. While apex court move to define "creamy layer"is a welcome it would lead to lots of debate.
3. Implementation would be a key issue more so there could be a fear that creamy layer would do such malice act to get into the 27% quota.
4. Economically backward sections of elite class may be deprived benefit
While Apex court has played its part and Govt would also bring this into implementation, NGOs should play a leading role in acting as a postman between Govt and deserving citizen to ensure full benefits flowing out.
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