Having said that, we also see/hear of statistical reports that many seats reserved for backward categories [SC/ST] remaining vacant and suchlike. This brings us to the question, have reservations really met the goals they were supposed to acheive? If so, to what extent? Has any independent or Govt body been studying the benefits, if any?
What is the premise, in the first place of having a reservation policy?
Certain sections of the population have been denied their rights and opportunities [it still continues as pointed out by Rajasaranam].
FC's constitute a small part of the caste pie in terms of population and yet occupy the highest percentage [by far, in many "fields"] when it comes to representation. Though it might be perceived as being due to innate differences in ability, it doesn't turn out to be so actually.
IMO, there are two angles to it:
a) Representation
b) "Definition of merit
a) Representation: Due to the drastically disproportionate representation of the non-FC population in spheres of education and profession, one [affected sections, the political class etc] would feel that the playing ground be made "unequal" to correct wrongs that have been perpetrated for centuries. The issues this raises are; what happens to merit and quality?; Are all BC/MBC/SC/ST to be benificiaries even if they are economically and socially "well off"?; How to prevent one family getting the benefit across generations [parent/offspring/his or her offspring and so on], which would be counter-productive? Wouldn't representation based on economic status rather than caste/community be a better model?
IMO, strictly caste-based representation would be counter-productive. A few days back The Hindu had a two-part article which addressed these issues which attempted a solution
[to a considerable extent]
b) Definition of merit: Are entrance exams, as they function now, the best definition of merit? A city student who has means and resources for coaching classes etc has an edge over a poor/rural student to a good extent. The set-up and infrastructure in rural schools, corporation schools are different from those in urban areas. Upper caste students in general seem to benefit more [based on the distribution of population and wealth] by virtue of these advantages. In that case, are reservations the right solution? Wouldn't a infrastructure face-lift or ramp-up be the more desirable solution? The root of the problem appears before the entrance tests, ie the educational system and policy stage itself. This needs a political and economic solution.
These are just my views based on a far from thorough understanding of the issues. I still have more questions than answers :)
