Alternatives to Reservation System - II

Hi All,

In continuation of the first post, here are answers to some of the questions raised.

A healthy debate is a hallmark of mature and educated
society/group. Hence there is no harm in discussing
the 'issue of reservations' in this group. Unlike
politicians we are trying to finding solutions which
can make our alma mater proud of our education and
intellect.

Having said that, we all agree to the following:
1. 'Affirmitive action' is necessary
2. Affirmaive action should not be only 'reservation
based on caste'.
3. Alternative solution should be based on
 a. data of past experince,
 b. current reality of backward people living in
villages, and
 c. future vision for this country in 21 century.
 d. Global scenario where we as a nation will
compete for market, resources, jobs etc.

On point 1. Giving reason of Merit alone confuses the
argument. Some people assume, that 'Youth for
Equality' (YFE) does not want to help the poor.
Categorically speaking, YFE does want to help the
poor. This includes engineers/doctors and all common
poeple supporting YFE.

On point 2.  Alternative is not just one, it can be a
'basket of solutions' from which each state/
institution/ corporation can use the appropriate
solution. They can be Grace marks, more easily
available student loan at school level or further
liberalization of higher education.

On point 3a. Those praposing further reservation must
provide data(statistics not stories) that past
reservation have been a success and must be continued.

On point 3b. Current reasons for backwardness are more
economic than social. Other reasons are govt.
curuption, inefficincy etc.

On point 3c. It has to be a strong, self reliant
developed nation. All citizens should have equal
opportunity and freedom to pursue thier life.

On point 3d. We will be competing with the other
countries on each front. We need good institutions to
enable our citizens to compete effectively. Note that
the best of Indian Universities which were among the
best in the world like Calcutta, Allhabad, Mumbai,
Varanasi have lost the race globally. This is mainly
due to political interferrence. Can we afford to let
IITs/IIMs/AIIMS/NITs etc to go that way. (Thats the
reason I asked Faculty and staff to oppose reservation
policy)

Friends, lets bring out our thoughts on this and build
a consensus.
I have the following request for those oppsoing
Reservations:
1. First highlight the weakness of the policy then
talk of alternatives (not of merit).
2. The policy is not based on data, current reality
and does not offer a correct solution to the problem.

regards
Abhinav