No reservations about this Dalit couple’s merit

Amid all the clamour for job reservation in the private sector, a Dalit couple has proved their point by clearing an exam for government job...

Amid all the clamour for job reservation in the private sector, a Dalit couple has proved their point by clearing an exam for government jobs in the general category.

Prakash Majumdar and his wife Sujata Solanki, who learnt on Wednesday that they have passed the Gujarat Public Service Commission examination, said they wanted to prove that Dalits can make it to the top even without reservation.

‘‘We had decided from the beginning we would not mention in the application forms that we belonged to the Scheduled Castes,’’ says Prakash.

Story continues below this ad

And prove they did: Sujata ranked 39th, and hopes would be made a Deputy Superintendent of Police; Prakash came 110th, and hopes for a section officer’s post.

Sujata says Prakash was her inspiration. ‘‘He was supporting and provided guidance, having trained for GPSC exams at the Sardar Patel Institute for Public Administration.’’ About ranking well ahead of her husband, she says, ‘‘Prakash had his job at the Employee State Insurance Corporation. That cut into his studies.’’

And Prakash adds, ‘‘The GPSC exam is in Gujarati, in which Sujata is stronger, having studied in Gujarati medium.’’ Both belong to middle-class families in Ahmedabad. The couple now awaits their postings.

Day after PM Modi’s visit to the town, Manipur’s Churachandpur sees violent protest

India2 hr ago

Protests in Manipur's Churachandpur turned violent as two men were arrested for damaging decorations for PM Modi's visit. The crowd demanded their release and attempted to storm the police station. The men were eventually released after a bail hearing. The incident occurred after a clash between locals and police on Thursday, but the situation had calmed down before Saturday's visit.

View all shorts

Live Blog