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Quotas can’t continue in perpetuity

I read Justice Rajindar Sachar’s article, “The quota verdict: Creamy layer exclusion is right” (April 19), and P.P. Rao’s article, “The quota verdict: The court has tried to keep the balance” (April 21). In a democracy, caste-based quotas carry no conviction. There must be a periodic review of quotas for the SCs/STs and the OBCs in jobs and admissions. The Supreme Court made this very clear in its ruling.

When the beneficiaries move up the ladder of backwardness, the quota must be discontinued. In all fairness, the creme de la crème among the SCs/STs should also be excluded from the ambit of quotas. Quotas since 1951 (initially these were provided for just 10 years) have been telling upon the quality of work and efficiency in the country. The sooner they are scrapped, the better it will be for the country.

IQBAL SINGH, Bijhari (Hamirpur)

II

The Supreme Court had earlier refused to vacate its stay on the controversial Act and was also inclined to examine how the figure of 27 per cent was arrived at. But now it has upheld the constitutional validity of the Act.

Thus spake the judge: “The plea of the petitioner that the legislation itself was intended to please a section of the community as part of the vote-catching mechanism is not a legally acceptable plea and is only to be rejected”. But what is illegal about the plea or how is it not legally acceptable has not been specified. Thus, the issue has not been addressed but brushed aside which is contrary to judicial tenets and averse to judicial method.

The message to the UPA ministers and allies is loud and clear: Do what you are doing with all your might. Clearly, Union HRD Minister Arjun Singh has won the Grand Prix as well as the spolia opima and has had the last laugh.

RANVIR SINGH, Advocate, New Delhi

III

The Tribune has been giving a fair coverage of views for and against quotas. The Constitution is for the people and not vice versa. It aims at a classless, casteless and secular nation. Dr B.R. Ambedkar had declared that castes are anti-national, yet he advocated reservation for the SCs/STs only for 10 years despite the bar in Article 29 (2). This has been extended to the Backward Classes and further to the Other Backward Classes.

Quota has become an emotional issue. Now even the Brahmins and Muslims cry for reservation which has infected the portals of education. In his lucid article, Mr P. P. Rao has pointed out that the court has tried to “keep the balance”. But how long is the basic question.

Though reservations were first provided for only 10 years, the system has perpetuated itself leading to caste-based vote banks. Reservations will finally go only when the suffering voters in each caste revolt against vested interests created by caste reservations.

Prof HARI SINGH, Kheri Jat (Jhajjar)

IV

The Supreme Court’s green signal to the OBC quota has left people from the general category in a lurch. They are feeling demoralised. It is antithetical to the concept of democracy in which every one is supposed to enjoy equal rights. Politicians are just running for votes. In a way, they are widening the gap between different communities instead of taking steps to promote harmony and foster brotherhood.

If the same trend continues, the day is not far off when someone will have to fight for an Act providing quota for the general category too. All kinds of reservation should be abolished forthwith and a new policy is needed for helping only those living below the poverty line irrespective of one’s caste, creed or religion. This would immensely help uplift the standards of the disadvantaged and downtrodden.

VIPAN K. SIKRI, Ferozepore City

V

The Supreme Court has rightly observed that the creamy layer shall not be entitled to any benefit under the OBC quota for the purpose of admission. However, in case candidates are not available under 27 per cent quota, it would be appropriate and just if the unfilled OBC seats go to the general category students.

Dr GULSHAN BIR KAUR, Patiala