There were noble intentions behind the policy of reservations and quotas that was proposed by some of our past social and political leaders.
BK Goyal
There were noble intentions behind the policy of reservations and quotas that was proposed by some of our past social and political leaders.
For a backward country teeming with millions of poor and underprivileged, quotas were needed and deserved full support.
The unfortunate part is that it became a weapon in the hands of the political parties who tried to outshine each other in doling out quotas, often with disastrous results.
However, in the present context, I feel the entire system of reservations/quotas needs to be re-defined. It should take into account the socioeconomic background of the people and their requirements. It should include even those who are at the very bottom of the socio-economic ladder.
People in this country are deprived of the five basics of life - food, clothing, shelter, education and health. For instance, it might surprise many that, in our country, nearly three-fourths of the population have no access to adequate and proper health care.
Even in a city like Mumbai, a similar situation exists for nearly 70% of the population. I advocate re-defining the system in a scientific manner. One of the ways this can be done is: instead of blanket quotas, the government should make it need-based.
Ascertain whether the benefits of reservations for a particular section has actually accrued to them in terms of education, job opportunities and wealth creation for two generations.
If yes, then do not give the same quota to persons from that section in the third generation. This will help others who are deprived get the benefits.
My observation is that quotas in the education system, specifically medical education, are by and large utilised.
The same cannot be said of the employment avenues in the public health system where quotas are in place. They remain vacant, not because qualified candidates from the backward communities are unavailable, but purely due to economic reasons.
The main reason is public health services are not considered very lucrative. So, qualified persons who may have the benefit of reservations prefer to keep away and do not utilise the available quota in employment though they might have used it in getting trained.
They go for better pay/perks/facilities available in private sector health services. My suggestion is that this whole matter (of reservations/quotas) must be kept outside the purview of the political parties or their agenda and should involve social-academic leaders.
(As told to Quaid Najmi. Dr BK Goyal is honorary dean, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, Mumbai)
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