A doctor's view-point

A doctor at AIIMS is my friend. Another doctor from AIIMS, who is an OBC, is also my friend. The OBC doctor said that everybody has a right to equal opportunities. The other doctor said that no body can disagree with this. But one should analyze what these equal opportunities are and where SC/ST/OBC are being denied these equal opportunities. As OBC doctor has made these comments in reference to reservation in higher educational institutions, it will be logical to make the analysis in this respect.

There is an entrance examination for getting admission in these courses. Any body desirous of pursuing higher education can appear in the exam. So eligibility opportunities to appear in the exam and getting admitted to the course are same for all. Why then some seats should be reserved for SC/ST/OBC? This reservation makes the opportunities unequal for those who do not belong to these communities.

Now do students belonging to these communities lack merit? Are they in any way inferior human beings in comparison to students of other communities. The only inequality I can find is that some of these students might not have necessary resources and exposure as some other students are having. What should be done to make the playing field level for all? Reservation can not do it, as without reservation some students might be having advantage over others (only in terms of resources and exposure) but after reservation this advantage will shift to other side. Inequality will remain may be in another form now. Earlier students belonging to SC/ST/OBC communities were at disadvantage. After reservation others have been put to disadvantage. What has the reservation done? Has it solved the problem? Has it brouight secial justice in society? No, the problem still remains. Injustice has only shifted from one group to another. Hatred for each other has also been added to the problem.

The only way out is to provide them equal opportunities in the form of resources and exposure. Give them free coaching. Let state take care of their fees, cost of books, stay in proper hostels to prepare for exam. Do everything for them so that they can compete on an equal playing field but NO RESERVATION. Don’t give crutches to them. Give them strength to stand on their own feet.