The ongoing clashes between two communities in Rajasathan has once again brought to the fore the contentious issue of caste-based reservation in our country. The clashes erupted between Gujjars (who are demanding to be included in Scheduled Tribes category) and Meenas (who already enjoy the benefits of reservation) deciding to take law into their own hands and getting into clashes with Gujjars so as to oppose their demands for reservation. This has literally paralysed eastern part of Rajasthan. So much so that 17 MLAs (belonging to the Meena community ) of the ruling BJP in Rajasthan have threatened to resign if Gujjars are given reservation! On the other hand, Gujjars from across the country are rallying up to support their Rajasthani brethern. The caste-based solidarity is a well known trait which we all Indians seem to have in our genes and we never shy short of exhibiting that! So much for the nationalism!
This is yet another illustration as to how divisive the reservation issue has become. It is causing incalculable damage to the the fabric of our unity and we must find a way to end it over several years with an alternative mechanism for social justice taking over. The politicians have failed to show us the vision, but clashes and choas is also not a solution. The social scientists, the intelligentia and the public at large must take the initiative and compel our law-makers to do something regarding this. Catse- based reservation is also a reflection of inhumane way of classifying people, and thus clearly discriminatory. I donot know what were the merits of a class- based society in ancient times, but it is totally out of sync with the realities of modern times! Whereas the world is rising to the tides of a “global village”, it is time to shun this practice. And an official way of doing this is to get rid of caste-based reservation.
Hi, I am Brian Pereira a 33 year man from Goa India. I work as a U.D.C. in Customs N Central Excise, Goa for the past 12 years. I have graduated from Goa University in May 1994. I find the topics mentioned in your blog very interesting. Your study of the topics are quite indepth. I personally feel to get rid of the caste problem in India. The Goverment should discourage all kinds of community institutions which are formed on caste basis. By taxing them and by giving various disincentives. Not allowed to get govt. jobs, etc. They should be banned by a legislation in parliament. Further in future all religions should be given a very difficult 15 digit no. to identify the same in case of literate persons so that anywhere his caste is not asked while filling various forms like for admissions to colleges etc registration of marriage. This can be done in case of Hindus at the first instance becoz there are many castes and sub castes. After some years the kids will not know what caste they belonged to and would not refer to it. I borrowed this idea from the Idea Mobile service provider in India. I think it can be done. Morever in case of other religions there are no castes in cse of Christianity, jews, parsis, etc.