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Quotas are populist measures

I fully endorse the editorial views: “However, reservations on the basis of castes such as the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes or even on religion (which has no constitutional sanction) are known to exacerbate social unrest and tension in the country” (editorial, “Bane of India: Quotas in perpetuity won’t do”, March 27).

Though the CJI has referred the issue of granting 4 per cent job and educational quota to backward classes among Muslims in Andhra Pradesh to a Constitution Bench, his remarks while granting interim stay against the Andhra Pradesh High Court judgment are entirely unwarranted, being contrary to the spirit of the Constitution, and the concepts of Islam which doesn’t recognise distinction on the basis of castes.

Courts are expected not to play to the gallery but interpret law strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India. Only courts can check the politicians’ tendency to indulge in competitive populism in perpetuating the reservation system, which is eating into the vitals of society. Quotas favour mediocrity over merit and benefits of reservations are cornered by a privileged few among the reserved categories. Nobody will grudge if the backward sections of society irrespective of caste, creed, sex and religion are provided the basic economic minimum to cope with the problems of life.

LAJPAT RAI ARG, Panchkula

II

The government of India appeased the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes and declared 10-year quota for them after Independence, which has now become a permanent affair as the successive governments have been extending reservations for them every 10 years.Many castes and sub-castes in India have been demanding reservations. The Tribune has rightly stated that the quota system has created widespread resentment among the hapless. Most political parties of India cannot speak against reservations for fear of losing their vote banks. Time has come to end this quota. Otherwise, the country will not progress.

KARAN, Chandigarh

III

The idea that the only criterion for reservations should be economic is excellent. However, the moot question is whether it is possible in the face of vested interests of politicians.

Reservations help vote bank politics of many selfish politicians. In order to make the economic criterion feasible reforms are required in the system. Rather there is need for restructuring of the whole system.

JASDEEP KAUR, Hoshiarpur

IV

The editorial rightly stressed the need for meritocracy. When people belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes as well as minorities are not able to get proper secondary education how can we expect that they can use this quota for their development.

The government should provide them good quality education up to the secondary level. The education standards of government schools are so poor that often it becomes difficult for students of these schools to get even passing marks. How can we expect such students to clear entrance exams of the UPSC or take admission in premier institutions such as the IITs and the IIMs. In the name of quotas, politicians want to divide society.

PUNEET SHARMA, Gurdaspur

V

Reservations based on religion and castes are unwarranted and reflect fake secularism of politicians who hanker after votes. The Tribune, the voice of the people, has rightly demanded prompt review of all such quotas.

PRAN SALHOTRA, Gurdaspur

Vendetta cases

The move to withdraw criminal cases against politicians, including pending cases, has given rise to a new controversy. The moot point is whether the state government can withdraw a pending case. In law, this cannot be done.

This discretion cannot be exercised merely at the behest of politicians.

K K PURI, Gurdaspur

Rotting grains

To R K Kapoor’s letter “Don’t let foodgrains rot” (March 25), I must say that insects are an inherent part of foodgrain stocks and cannot be completely destroyed. However, it is important to control them effectively to prevent damages and losses during storage and make them fit for human consumption.

The damaged poly covers have to be replaced with new ones for effective results of fumigation and protection against vagaries of nature. Due to shortage of scientific storage space in Punjab, open storage is resorted to. However, it should only be a stopgap arrangement.

GURMIT SINGH SAINI, Chandigarh

Star of the masses To the article “Mr Congeniality” (March 22) I want to add that Dharmendra has created a niche for himself in the hearts of the masses through his roles in films for over five decades. His physique and handsome looks have played a key role in his career. The writer has rightly pointed out that his simplicity and down-to-earth approach have endeared him to the film-going masses. I had an opportunity to meet him during the shooting of “Do Chor” in 1972. It was a memorable encounter with the man who has gone on to scale greater heights. Brig HS SANDHU (retd), Panchkula