Inspired by the latest movie "Aarakshan", which changed my views regarding the quota issue, I am writing this post to express my views on the scenario.
Altough the movie was more centred on the effects of the coaching institutes, but somewhere, I feel, that the movie was also throwing light on the permanent solution to the topic of reservation quota in various set-ups. This may be my personal perception as well.
Lets see the what both sides have to say first, then I shall discuss the solution.
(Do comment if I missed anything !!!).
Why Quota?
- There is a large section of the society, that is backward and is unable to receive quality education since birth.
- Due to they being backward, they are unable to pay the extra money for high priced books and quality coaching classes for various entrance exams.
- Since being a doctor, engineer, etc are the only steps to success, they need to be shared among all groups in society. (Is this actually true, or we are made to believe this??)
- The backward communities are being pushed back more by the, so called, developed communities. So to provide with the fair chance to success.
Why no Quota?
- Distinction on the basis of caste, is wrong in a secular state like India. Law(so called) should be same for all.
- Merit should be the criterion for the selection.
- If someone is backward, it is their incapability to rise. "They lack!"
- Provide with services to rise, not quota.
Now, I wouldn't comment on the distinction on the basis of caste or religion or by the type of work a person does. Although, this is the root cause of the issue, but discussing this is like pulling out dead out of the graves, and also isn't going to solve anything.
Now, reservation policy can be seen as a requirement for a person, who is backward and has no other means to rise, but quota. But, looking it from the point of view of a decision-maker, I feel, it more of an emergency scheme to promote development of those who lack. If we overlook the vote-banking effect, our Government is trying to meet up with their incapability to provide equal services to all the sections of the society, by providing the quota.
The Solution
In the movie, Big B started the "tabela school". If we club the highlighted points in the above mentioned sections, we have a similar solution. The concept of free remedial centres, having qualified and dedicated teachers to teach and prepare the students for various courses required to clear the respective entrance examinations is the whole idea.
Why will teachers work for free & who will ensure the teachers are qualified?
This question is a big one. But still can be answered. It depends on the teacher, if a teacher is a "professional" one, he/she will be working for money only. Also, if profit is the motive, this idea is bound to fail. But, if development is the motive, then we have a teacher in every house. Leave aside the professional teachers, lets see our society. An engineer can teach Physics & Chemistry, a doctor can teach Biology, a CA can teach accounts, authors can teach literature, and so on. Just a dedicated effort of an hour a day should serve the purpose. And all for their own fulfilment. The teacher shall be fulfilled by his ability to explain and the student shall be fulfilled by his/her learning (mutual fulfilment). Now, Would we require to pay teachers like these? And can we have a better teacher than a person who is teaching about what he does everyday? I don't think so(I might sound very optimistic). Hence, quality and finance, both solved (as I see).
And as far as the coaching centres are concerned, you can realise their fate, by watching the movie.
Above article is completely my viewpoint. Do correct me if I am wrong in my approach. And also do forgive me if I have written something that is wrong or hurts some sentiments as it wasn't the purpose.