No! Not true!
Not true at all that those who call for Reservation Reforms are holding prejudice against any particular section of society, or are taking away the rights of the oppressed, or are negating the centuries-old misdeeds (if any) of the self-acclaimed 'social superiors;' oh come on, they were not, no one will ever be!
However, very true that in the current times in 2026, many of us find ourselves, more often than ever before, at the receiving end of the meritocratic hammer, crushing our dreams & aspirations in every second walk of life: education, job, and promotion. And in such cases, we should not, and must not reluct ourselves from fervently objecting to the unfair quotas and the irrational reservation system.
Reservation has been a peculiarly poignant issue in the Indian social and political landscape, that no political party has ever, or even dare, making a reform to it, no matter how imperative. The moment any public representative utters a word against this systemic menace, unfortunately, their thrones topple, under the pressure of their party top brass and their electorate. Since the day I have gained conscious, I haven't really heard or seen of any major opposition party dare speaking a word in contrary to this absurdity, filling in the much-needed loopholes, and rectifying the loose ends. Rather, quite devastatingly, have seen a large chunk of them asking for further expansion, adding yet another cut to the meritocratic nerve of the country, which has already bled profusely with a thousand cuts.
If your sensible mind thinks that's bad, hold on, here's the worst. Even the ruling party, the current dispensation, which a lot of people today consider as one of the best things ever happened to the country, quite shockingly walks hand in hand with all their staunch political oppressors in this matter. Those governing ministers and members of the Parliament & Assemblies, from the sections severely affected with the meritocratic & intellectual exploitation, are either keeping silent on this, or worse, speaking and acting against the legitimate demands of those whose votes, trust and belief only have made them who they are today. What would you call this, a betrayal? Indeed!
The recent protest and public uproar for Reservation Reforms, particularly against the ill-conceived UGC Guidelines, envisioned on the lines of the existing draconian law to somehow appease and over-empower the reserved sections while further marginalise the unreserved ones, has brought a glimmer of hope for the unreserved sections – people who have long been forced into ugly legal battles, and the aspirants & professionals who have long found their wings of intellect & competence clipped by those using the unjustified crutches of reservation and quotas.
Those getting complaints filed against them, taking bruises on their bodies, and facing online hate and boycott, challenging the archaic and unreasonable system, and fighting the herculean long-pending battle which has affected millions out there, deserve a genuine commendation, a steadfast support, and a strong, vehement word in favor. Despite agreeing to their demands and suffering with the same issues, if we still resist our temptation and get a second thought extending support, mind it but we are destined to suffer, meritocratically, for ages!
A few pointers that deserve utmost attention (list not exhaustive):
- No, it isn't about eliminating reservation altogether, but only reforming the existing system with several structural gaps. Though the former would always be an ideal scenario, maybe now's not the perfect time for that.
- The lopsided legal immunity and extraordinary powers given only to a particular section of people deserve impartial scrutiny and necessary reforms to avoid weaponisation of privileges.
- All required resources in terms of economic, material, moral, societal, and emotional support must be provided by the Governments and the administrative machinery to bring the students/aspirants/professionals from the underprivileged sections at par, on all fronts, with the others. But the cut offs, ranks, selections, service allocations and promotions must only and only be based on merit for most, if not all.
- As long as such challenges exist for the unreserved class, there's a desperate need for a strong, independent body, on the likes of other Constitutional ones to safeguard the interests of unreserved classes against any sort of personal or systemic exploitation.
- Unity is what led India to achieve independence; unity is what led to the French revolution and the fall of Bastille; unity is what led to the roll back of any provision of creamy layer in the reserved classes; and unity is what led to several sections securing a quota for themselves. Unite to face the demon of selective meritocratic exploitation!
- Discrimination of any sort in the society must be nipped in the bud. But through sensible laws and intelligent dialogue, and not hollow, blanket, and radical solutions. Also, this victim game played at least by the people who really aren't one, must stop at all costs. And fake victims must be humbled though necessary reforms in the immunity and rights granted to them.
Unless the above pointers are given a serious thought in the policy corridors and implemented in true spirit, people will continue choosing their doctors, engineers and administrators using their not-so-common common sense, and India, unfortunately, will continue to struggle on her path towards Viksit Bharat 2047.