One-stroke quota

Any social process, if it has to achieve its intended consequences, requires the benefit of deliberation and due diligence. The impatience with detail displayed by the proponents of reservation politics to push through 27 per cent OBC quotas in one quick stroke in the forthcoming monsoon session of Parliament is disquieting. It should be disquieting even for those who are otherwise open to the idea of a social welfare intervention of this nature, because the impatience on display points to political, rather than social, agendas at work. Since political rhetoric does not feel the need to submit itself to the impediments of measured discourse or the lines drawn by the Constitution, there is now even talk of reservations for the judiciary. Such competitive mouthing of the reservation mantra could end up giving affirmative action a bad name.

In the flurry of words, the original intent of OBC quotas to ensure access to higher education among those denied such access due to social asymmetries, is almost forgotten. The expansion of the existing capacity in our institutions of higher learning 8212; a move this newspaper has firmly supported 8212; cannot be achieved by the wave of arm. If it is to actually benefit students it demands painstaking, even laborious, effort and planning. The observations made by the authorities of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, to the Veerappa Moily Committee is worthy of close attention. It took the institution 20 years to get the land, two years to plan and five years to implement its most recent expansion plan, they pointed out. Similar hurdles are sure to surface in other spheres as well.

We would, therefore, counsel the promoters of OBC quotas to be more considered in their approach. S. Ramadoss is not known for his nuanced view on the issue, and CPI8217;s D. Raja can say what he wishes about reservations, as he has been wont to do. But the other raja 8212; V.P. Singh 8212; should at least display the discernment of a former prime minister and direct the discourse in a more rational direction. The monsoon session of Parliament promises to be full of sound and fury over the issue, but let it at least signify something.