Reservation is a hotly debated topic. Naturally a debate on reservation can be very polarising, with both proponents and opponents of reservation having strong feelings about the issue. While there are several sides to the debate, to put it simply — proponents of reservation argue that reservations are a way of reparations for the historical wrongs that were purportedly perpetrated against them, while those against reservation contend that the historical wrongs being talked about are grossly exaggerated. Reservations can in fact be an impediment in the development of the nation as the policy isn’t meritocratic, they contend. Instead, reservations should be replaced by other policies and schemes that can help the economically weaker
The debate extends to political parties and politicians, with each having their own views on it.
The entire debate is marred by vote-bank politics, as can be expected in a functioning democracy, with different groups seeking to ensure they get as large a portion of the pie as the possibly could.
Recently, JD(U) spokesperson Ajay Alok stated that if an individual once makes use of the reservation benefits availed to them, their family must not avail of the benefits for the second time.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar too gave his opinions on the issue in Parliament. On social media platform Twitter, Tendulkar tweeted that there are several ways to empower and assist the weaker sections of the society, such as the mid-day meal scheme, free education, etc. Referring to the policy of reservations of seats in higher educational institutes and vacancies in the government sector, he further said that pulling down other sections of society to empower the rest is “unjust” and that it will create more problems in the future.
Tendulkar also clarified that he does think that there must be “equality in opportunities, but never the equality in results”. “Result is all about competition and that must be just and fair for all”, he said.
I certainly agree that some classes of our society needs extra push and assistance to get empowered.
We must facilitate the equality in opportunities, but never the equality in results. Result is all about competition and that must be just and fair for all.#आरक्षण_जहर_है— Vinay Tendulkar (@TendulkarBJP) February 21, 2021
There could be several ways to empower the weak sections of society, like free education, subsidies on attending schools like mid day meal etc but pulling down the other sections of society to empower the rest is unjust and will create more problems in future.#आरक्षण_जहर_है
— Vinay Tendulkar (@TendulkarBJP) February 21, 2021
Several opponents of the government’s reservation policy agreed with Vinay Tendulkar and tweeted in support of his tweets.
Punjab BJP leader Varun Puri tweeted, “Reservation can give you job, but not the working brain [sic].”
Reservation can give you job,but not the working brain🤔
— Varun Puri (@varunpuri1984) February 21, 2021
One netizen shared a creative cartoon making a pun on the idea of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ being pushed by the Centre to make the nation self-reliant.
India Against Reservation#आरक्षण_जहर_है
Must RT 🙏 pic.twitter.com/GAOndo929s
— #प्रज्ज्वल पल्होरे🚩 #SSR👔 (@Prajjval_p) February 21, 2021
[With inputs from Falana Dikhana]
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