The Reserved league

The Reserved league

By

Murali Murthy 

The deep rooted Caste system has been India's historic fault line, which was brewed, groomed and the differences well maintained by our Kings, Rulers, Affluent and in the modern times, by the politicians.

There have been many social reforms in the society that has drastically curtailed thr caste based disparity in the society.

The reservation system was rightly introduced in our constitution, to encourage the historically discriminated, side lined communities, especially SC and STs. This was a bid to rectify the historical injustice to certain sections based on Caste.

In this age and time, how relevant is this? How does caste play a role in education, jobs and privileges.

I am aware that Caste system has not blurred, thanks to all the politicians who are keeping it alive in th society.

But as ordinary citizens, atleast we keep our caste and religious practices inside our homes and not part of our social life.

With exception of certain rural pockets, largely people are hungry to excel and progress, than being stuck with caste system. Ofcourse, this has taken a hit since 2014, as there is curated efforts towards going back in history.

I understand providing privileges to economically weaker sections, as it's Govt's and people's responsibility to ensure no one sleeps hungry. BPL Cards does that job and all schemes by Govts in the past and present, have done their bit to add more power to BPL card holders.

Now comes the frustrating fact. Take the caste wise population split in Karnataka below:

SC 19.5%, Muslims 16%, Lingayats 14%, Vokkaligas 11%, Kurubas 7%, Tribals 5%, Christians 3%, Buddists and Jains 2% and Brahmins 3%.

The 3rd and 4th most populous are the ones creating all drama seeking reservations!! And the reason why I am writing this blog.

The last two sections of the society, have never asked for reservation, though they rightfully deserve, going by the population size.

Though there has been some noise by the politicians on reservations to Brahmins, it's just another election gimmick and not People's ask.

I fail to understand why people ask for reservations and quota? Shouldn't there be self respect and determination to progress based on ability and merit?

Unfortunately caste is determining the eligibility and giving edge to education, job, governance, elections.

50% of Govt seats, jobs are reserved for 90% of the population! What logic!!??

No wonder the Governence, legislation, judiciary and executive is suffering, because people are not hired based on merit, ability, skill or logic, but based on caste certificate.

We should only thank our stars, that caste based reservation is not enforced in Private sector.

With caste based reservation so rampant in the Engineering and Medical seats, that hardworking, meritorious students with no Caste baggage, find it extremely difficult to get a seat, forcing them to look abroad for studies and further career. Eventually, as a country, we are losing efficient and young talent and workforce.

And the P.M talks about Make In India, but does not look at retaining young and bright talent by giving them the deserving opportunity by reserving seats for the deserved, not based on Caste.

I would like to understand from these agitating Mutt heads who claim their caste is in existential crisis (despite being populous) and hence demand reservations, why link Caste with education, economic position and jobs!?

Even if their demands are heeded, will their people stop applying seats and jobs under remaining 50% merit quota.

Because they are so populous that their people will apply under Caste reservation as well as under General quota!

Where should people with self respect and trust in their abilities go?

With increasing globalization and urbanization, the caste loyalty is weakening, as we see inter caste marriages being a normalcy, religious conversions to suit their agenda, discontinuing and disowning caste by birth.

India can progress and achieve newer heights, only when:

- Politicians stop using Caste based politics

- People stop voting candidates based on Caste

- Caste based reservations are abolished

- Pension be offered to deserving people and not a default privilege for all.

With Caste based reservations, the system, the politicians and Govt are only ensuring Caste discrimination is alive.