It is no surprise that there are mixed reactions to the Narendra Modi government’s proposal for 10% reservation to economically backward sections in the general category (“Centre plans 10% quota for the poor”, January 8). Wasn’t the Congress’s farmers loan waiver a gimmick? If the Bill is passed, the Modi government will have to make sure that benefits and aid reach those who truly deserve it.
The Opposition has no other option but to ensure its support for the Bill. For those who lament the development, they must understand that a nation like ours is deeply rooted in a caste and religious system. Ours is a society that runs on this “fuel”.
M. Pradyu,
Thalikavu, Kannur, Kerala
It is clear that the NDA government is desperate to retain power at any cost given the ambivalent and evasive attitude of the Prime Minister over the issue of an ordinance to start construction of a Ram Mandir. The BJP has failed to keep its poll promises of 2014, which is why it is resorting to such gimmicks in order to fool the discerning electorate.
V. Padmanabhan,
Bengaluru
The Indian Railways recently called for applications for about 63,000 vacancies and drew a response of over 1.9 crore people for jobs such as “helper, porter, cleaner, gateman, track maintainer and assistant switchman”. In India, the paradox is that though it is one of the fastest growing global economies, it is unable to generate enough jobs, let alone good ones. Right now, demonetisation has created endless problems, and it is all the more important that these are addressed especially with more numbers of educated young people entering the workforce. So how will quotas for the backward or forward classes help?
Growth has proved elusive with unemployment, inflation and lower growth rates, however much we may wish to sanitise the facts. Quotas are not the answer.
H.N. Ramakrishna,
Bengaluru
What is unfortunate is the way the Centre has demeaned the purpose of affirmative action. Such actions, by different governments, have not only reduced the system of reservation to a mere political tool to appease certain communities but have also undermined the role of the government as just a jobs-haven rather than an able caretaker of the country. Taking into account this proposal along with existing quotas, is this all the value the country gives to merit and talent? It is no wonder that India is a victim of brain-drain.
M.B. Bhargav,
Bengaluru