Reservation and Education

She still remembers it and is worried about her children’s future.  She does not want to experience the same sordid blackness ever again.  Her worry is about the system which has not changed in last 30 years, will it change now? The system that has provided opportunities for many undeserving and is one of the major cause of corruption in India.  So many deserving candidates do not get admission in good educational institutions because THEY DO NOT BELONG TO THE RESERVED CLASS.

 It was Monday, 5^th August 1996, her first day at Law College, new class, new enthusiasm. Beautiful morning class full of chirpy students getting to know each other.  The teacher came for first lecture- Constitution of India.  This girl being a history graduate and had an idea about the Constitution of India.

The teacher did not introduce himself neither the subject.  He asked, “Are you all aware of reservation system?”  Most of the students raised their hands.  It was a hot topic, students all over India were protesting against this reservation system.  She too was aware of it, had brush with it when she was a child. The bitter memories of the past started dancing in front of her eyes.

She was 8 years old and had come back from school.  The environment at home seemed different and there was pessimism everywhere.  Her mother was sobbing in a corner quietly, her eldest brother was sitting there, pretending to be calm.  His face was grim and sad.  She understood something is wrong, she went to her elder brother.  He explained the reason for gloom, their eldest brother will not become a doctor because he did not get admission into medical college.

With a big question mark on her face and tears rolling down her cheeks, she countered him, "but everyone always said that he is so studious he will definitely become a doctor someday!  Is it that he will not become a doctor because they are poor?" The answer was something that her little mind could not understand, her brother did not get admission because of something called reservation!

Her classmate nudged her and she came back to reality, to her law class where teacher was asking her which group do you want to join?  There were 2 groups pro reservation and against reservation.  Her choice was obviously against reservation.  Both the groups were given 10 minutes to discuss, to make points and select a spokesperson. After each team presented their views, the debate started.  Both the groups debated tooth and nail. Only one thing she found weird that there were fewer students against reservation and these students evidently were from open class. The debate ended and the teacher started speaking with an example.

Imagine a stable with 50-60 horses, all good and strong. These horses are free to roam about and live free in the stable. There is only one places to eat and one big waterhole.  Let’s call these places as food and water. One horse is injured or unwell and cannot go to the food or water.  What will you do?  Naturally, you will bring the food and water to the horse. 

The reservation system is exactly based on this belief, the system is for people who do not have a voice, are not represented and not heard.  Through this system such people will be able to get into the main stream, the social system and get education.

This girl could not contain herself and raised her hand.  She had many questions, the sad face of her brother was weighing heavily on her mind. If it is so Sir, please tell me for how long this horse will be unwell, will the wounds of this horse never heal?  If we continue to give water and food to this one horse even after he is healed and strong, won’t the horse become lazy? Will it not take undue advantage of this special privilege?  The teacher looked annoyed by this girl and her questions.  The time was up and the teacher left without answering her.    

As soon as the teacher left, her classmates came to her. Some laughing at her and few with worried looks.  They asked her if she wants to fail in the subject, why did she insult the teacher? The 8 years old girl’s blackness suddenly emerged inside her.  The classmates then told her, the teacher himself is from reserved class!! Was she not aware of it?

Next day she was called in Principal’s cabin and the same teacher happened to be the principal of Law college!  She was asked to repeat the same questions and her thought process in front of all the teachers present.  She did it very proudly, knowing she was right!  The principal and teachers were smiling, a smile that said they liked her.

She left the principal’s cabin planning to reach a position where she can implement the right of equal opportunity and education that the Constitution of India promises to every child and every citizen. A system that promises equality and equal opportunity to every child and citizen.  

She would like to make little change in the system for betterment of children, the education system and the society at large:

1. Compulsory and free education for all children till they finish school.  Schooling will include free coaching to weak students, good food and environment.

2. Once the child finishes schooling then everything is based on merit.  The child gets admissions based on their aptitude, choice and grades.  Where children can pursue careers in Politics- we really need good leaders who care for people, social service- dire need in India, other professional skills..…it was a dream of 19 year old girl with big hopes from a great nation.

Later she studied about Constitution of India and its various articles.  How can the Constitution of India contradict itself by giving right of equality and also reservation for certain people?  This reservation was for 20 years and has been continuously amended and extended!!

She wonders, How long will this continue, when will the horse get well and when will his wounds heal?