I see most of the people vehemently opposing reservation but accepting the class difference as given. Why we don't see such voices raising so vehemently for say free higher education or for increasing the number of seats in best colleges or free healthcare and all? People are pointing certain reserved individual flaunting his achievement as unfair while accepting the person who entered in a decent foreign university or made it in start up through parent's money. I see the later kind of people in much more abundance. Does that make every higher class person a culprit? Or is it wrong or unethical for them using their parents money?
Is it because the reservation is as people call it systemic fault and could be 'improved' through one amendment and the idea of class is acceptable because it is somehow more near to merit.
Finally is the whole idea of meritocracy fair? What do you guys think?
From the recent Maratha Reservation case judgement
39. The availability of these constitutional provisions, however does not mean that those belonging to backward class of citizens would be better off or would reap any automatic benefits. Here, it is relevant to consider that often, any debate as to the efficacy or extent of reservation, invariably turns to one stereotypical argument- of merit. Long ago, in his important work45– Marc Galanter had dealt with the issue of merit in this manner: “Let us take merit to mean performance on tests (examinations, interview, character references or whatever) thought to be related to performance relevant to the position (or other opportunity) in question and commonly used as a measure of qualification for that position. (In every case it is an empirical question whether the test performance is actually a good predictor of performance in the position, much less of subsequent positions for which it is a preparation.) Performance on these tests is presumably a composite of native ability, situational advantages (stimulation in the family setting, good schools, sufficient wealth to avoid malnutrition or exhausting work, etc.), and individual effort. The latter may be regarded as evidence of moral desert, but neither native ability nor situational advantages would seem to be. The common forms of selection by merit do not purport to measure the moral desert dimension of performance. Unless one is willing to assume that such virtue is directly proportionate to the total performance, the argument for merit selection cannot rest on the moral deservingness of individual candidates…..”
40. In his judgment, (in Indra Sawhney) Sawant,J. too spoke of this phenomenon:
“405. The inequalities in Indian society are born in homes and sustained through every medium of social advancement. Inhuman habitations, limited and crippling social intercourse, low-grade educational institutions and degrading occupations perpetuate the inequities in myriad ways. Those who are fortunate to make their escape from these all-pervasive dragnets by managing to attain at least the minimum of attainments in spite of the paralysing effects of the debilitating social environment, have to compete with others to cross the threshold of their backwardness. Are not those attainments, however low by the traditional standards of measuring them, in the circumstances in which they are gained, more creditable? Do they not show sufficient grit and determination, intelligence, diligence, potentiality and inclination towards learning and scholarship? Is it fair to compare these attainments with those of one who had all the advantages of decent accommodation with all the comforts and facilities, enlightened and affluent family and social life, and high quality education? Can the advantages gained on account of the superior social circumstances be put in the scales to claim merit and flaunted as fundamental rights? May be in many cases, those coming from the high classes have not utilised their advantages fully and their score, though compared with others, is high, is in fact not so when evaluated against the backdrop of their superior advantages - may even be lower…..
406. Those who advance merit contention, unfortunately, also ignore the very basic fact - (though in other contexts, they may be the first to accept it) - that the traditional method of evaluating merit is neither scientific nor realistic. Marks in one-time oral or written test do not necessarily prove the worth or suitability of an individual to a particular post, much less do they indicate his comparative calibre. What is more, for different posts, different tests have to be applied to judge the suitability. The basic problems of this country are massoriented. India lives in villages, and in slums in towns and cities. To tackle their problems and to implement measures to better their lot, the country needs personnel who have firsthand knowledge of their problems and have personal interest in solving them. What is needed is empathy and not mere sympathy. One of the major reasons why during all these years after Independence, the lot of the downtrodden has not even been marginally improved and why majority of the schemes for their welfare have remained on paper, is perceptibly traceable to the fact that the implementing machinery dominated as it is by the high classes, is indifferent to their problems….”
There were observations earlier in the judgment of Chinnappa Reddy, J, in K.C. Vasant Kumar (supra).
Anatole France had – in his ironic (and iconic) observations remarked once, that
“In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal loaves of bread.”
41. The previous rulings in Vasant Kumar (supra), and the comments of Dr. Amartya Sen in his work “Merit and Justice” were considered in some detail, in the recent ruling in B.K. Pavitra v. Union of India46 ,
““Merit” must not be limited to narrow and inflexible criteria such as one's rank in a standardised exam, but rather must flow from the actions a society seeks to reward, including the promotion of equality in society and diversity in public administration.”
This court also noted that merit as we understand - i.e. performance in standardised tests, is largely dependent upon neutral factors, which discriminate in favour of those who are privileged.
Link: https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/maratha-case-judgment-392923.pdf
I would suggest people to read and re-read 'Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development' (available here:http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00ambedkar/txt_ambedkar_castes.html ), an amazing piece of scholarship by Babasaheb Ambedkar. A student of Goldenweiser and probably the first and only Indian to get trained in presence of Franz Boas at the Columbia University.
He was 25 at the time of the presentation of this paper.
I am feeling the shittiest I have ever felt, since the advent of this ill fated pandemic.One of my friend, is suffering from mucormycosis since last 15 days. He is not just a friend, but more than that. In common parlance, he is my ‘langotiya yaar’. After suffering from a very severe covid, he was diagnosed and operated for the fungus on the same day. But the fungus remerged a week ago. He was again operated for same. And when we thought he is on track to recovery, last evening, he suffred a nightmarish brain stroke. Since then, he is on ventilator, diminishing all the little progress he made for his recovery.It is the feeling of helplessness, which is taking a toll on my psyche. I am here miles away from him. Though remotely we did everything we could do to help him. Coordinated with his family. Chased leads for the live saving drug, raised funds for his operation, made sure he receives best of the treatment possible in his vicinity. But after his last evening’s brain stroke, and he being lying in a semi conscious state, I am at the inflection point of breakdown.I don’t feel like doing anything. I wish I could have persuaded him to take the vaccine. I wish we could return to our campus once again, to cherish the common memories associated there. I wish I could give him a tight hug.Dear all, I have no other avenue to pen down my thoughts, thus I chose this platform.Beg, Borrow, or Steal, but please get vaccinated. Despite all the shortages, even if a single dose is up for grab in your district, make sure that you (or your near or dear ones) get that slot. The unseen affect of taking a jab tabhi samajh aata hai, jab aapda ghar ke chaukath pe khadi hokar, yamraaj wali dastak deti hai.Hope is the only thing I can bank upon. Hope my friend returns...
I wish the best for you and your friend.
