The Case for Reform,Why Is Our New Generation So Unhappy in Kashmir? How can the new Omar Abdullah government address the challenges of reservation policy in Kashmir?) Causes and Pathways Forward.
DR.FIAZ MAQBOOL FAZILI
The reservation policy in India, a cornerstone of affirmative action, was created to address systemic discrimination and social inequality. Its goal, rooted in the Constitution, is to uplift historically marginalized communities through representation in education, employment, and politics. While the intention is noble, its implementation has fuelled debates about meritocracy and fairness. In Kashmir, this policy has stirred significant discontent among its brightest minds, who often feel overlooked despite their talents. This essay examines the reservation policy’s nuances, its implications on meritocracy, its socio-economic and psychological effects, and proposes reforms to balance equity and merit.
Historical Context of Reservation Policy:The reservation system was introduced to rectify historical injustices faced by Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Over time, its scope expanded, creating a complex web of inclusion and exclusion. In Kashmir, a region with high literacy rates and a strong emphasis on education, the policy has brought unique challenges. Many students and job seekers believe their hard work is undervalued, especially in competitive fields like medicine and engineering.
Impact on Meritocracy:The reservation policy often leads to a perceived compromise on meritocracy, a principle that rewards individuals based on talent and effort. . For many Kashmiri youth, particularly from unreserved categories, reservation policies are perceived as barriers to opportunities in education and employment.For instance, in competitive exams like the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET, students face a dual challenge excelling amidst national competition and securing seats that are disproportionately skewed by quotas. Despite scoring higher marks, students from unreserved categories may lose seats to reserved candidates with lower scores, leading to frustration and disillusionment. This apparent injustice not only diminishes the spirit of competition but also drives many talented students to seek opportunities abroad, contributing to a brain drain that deprives Kashmir of its brightest minds.
Psychological Impact on the Youth:
The reservation policy’s impact extends beyond professional setbacks, beyond drugs, depression. The disappointment attached to reservation policy is deeply affecting the psyche of Kashmiri youth. Kashmir has talent, but the sense of being overlooked despite diligence fosters feelings of resentment, demotivation, and alienation.
Erosion of Confidence: Bright students often question their worth, as they see fewer deserving candidates advancing due to quotas. This erosion of confidence can lead to anxiety and depression.
Social Divisions: The policy inadvertently fosters divisions among communities. Those from unreserved categories may harbour resentment towards beneficiaries of quotas, leading to strained relationships and social discord.
Reduced Aspirations: Repeated experiences of rejection can lead some students to lower their aspirations or abandon them altogether, resulting in an underutilization of potential.
Economic Implications:In a region like Kashmir, where government jobs dominate the employment landscape, the reservation policy exacerbates challenges for unreserved categories. The private sector, still underdeveloped, offers limited opportunities, leaving many professionals disheartened. This dynamic stifle entrepreneurship and economic growth, as individuals struggle to find equitable prospects.
The Case for Reform:While the reservation policy’s goals remain relevant, reforms are essential to ensure it doesn’t alienate deserving candidates. Suggestions for reform include:
Economic-Based Reservations: Shifting from caste-based to income-based criteria would ensure that the truly disadvantaged, regardless of caste, benefit from the system.
Time-Bound Implementation: Periodically reviewing and limiting quotas’ duration for specific groups can prevent stagnation and over-dependence.
Improving Education: Strengthening primary and secondary education for marginalized groups can reduce reliance on quotas and enable them to compete on merit.
Incentives for Merit: Offering scholarships and recognition for exceptional talent can balance affirmative action with meritocracy.
Opportunities for the Government
The new Omar Abdullah-led government has a chance to address these issues by adopting inclusive and reform-oriented strategies.The new government can approach this sensitive issue with a vision for reform that respects the original intent of the reservation policy while addressing its flaws. Here are strategies that can guide this process:
A Periodic Review and Rationalization of Quotas. Ensure that the policy reflects the current socio-economic realities.
Action Plan: Conduct a comprehensive socio-economic survey in Kashmir to assess the actual needs of various communities. Modify quotas to prioritize economically disadvantaged groups across all categories, including the general category. Introduce a “creamy layer” clause for all reserved categories, limiting benefits to those truly in need.
B.Merit-Based Affirmative Action. Strike a balance between social justice and meritocracy. Reserve a proportion of seats exclusively for merit-based admissions and appointments, irrespective of category. Provide additional support, such as preparatory programs and coaching, to help underprivileged students compete on merit. Recognize and reward exceptional talent through scholarships and government-sponsored fellowships.
C.Strengthening Education and Skill Development. Empower underprivileged communities to compete on an equal footing. Invest in quality education and infrastructure in rural and underprivileged areas. Launch skill development initiatives tailored to the job market. Collaborate with private organizations for internships and training programs for underprivileged youth.
D. Promoting Inclusivity and Transparency. Build trust and ensure fair implementation of policies. Establish independent bodies to oversee and audit the implementation of reservation policies. Use technology to make application and selection processes transparent, reducing scope for corruption or favouritism. Regularly engage with student unions, educators, and community leaders to understand ground-level concerns
E. Encouraging Private Sector Involvement. Create alternative opportunities for both reserved and non-reserved categories. Incentivize private companies to set up industries and offices in Kashmir, generating jobs. Encourage private educational institutions to offer scholarships and reserved seats for economically weaker students. Promote entrepreneurship through financial assistance and mentorship programs.
F. Addressing Brain Drain. Retain and nurture Kashmir’s talent within the state. Offer competitive incentives to meritorious students and professionals to work in Kashmir. Develop world-class research and innovation centres to attract and retain talent. Foster a culture of recognition by celebrating the achievements of Kashmiri youth in various fields.
G. Revamping Higher Education. Elevate the overall standard of education in Kashmir. Establish a dedicated task force to revamp the curriculum and improve the quality of teaching in government institutions. Collaborate with top universities in India and abroad to introduce cutting-edge courses and exchange programs. Ensure that admission criteria emphasize a blend of merit and socio-economic considerations.
H. Political Will and Public Dialogue. Ensure the reforms are inclusive and widely accepted. Launch a public awareness campaign to explain the necessity of reforms and dispel misconceptions. Organize regular town hall meetings where citizens can voice their concerns and suggestions. Demonstrate strong political will to implement reforms despite resistance from vested interests.
Challenges in Implementing Reforms
Implementing reforms is no easy task. Beneficiaries of the current system may resist changes, while the political risks of alienating voter bases are considerable. Additionally, large-scale educational and economic reforms require significant resources.
A Balanced Approach
The debate over reservation isn’t about abandoning affirmative action but refining it to ensure fairness. In Kashmir, where socio-political challenges abound, fostering unity and equal opportunity is essential. Policies should uplift the underprivileged without disheartening merit-based candidates.
Potential initiatives include: Supernumerary Seats: Creating additional seats for reserved categories to avoid reducing general category opportunities.
Mentorship Programs: Supporting disadvantaged students through preparatory programs rather than solely relying on quotas.
Transparent Practices: Encouraging merit-based systems alongside affirmative action in public and private institutions.
The reservation policy, despite its noble intent, has unintentionally created dissatisfaction among meritorious students in Kashmir. By addressing these challenges, the Omar Abdullah government has an opportunity to balance equity with meritocracy. Reforms such as economic-based criteria, time-bound quotas, and investments in education can create a system that fosters inclusivity while celebrating excellence. For Kashmir’s progress, it is crucial to evolve policies to reflect present realities, ensuring every individual feels valued and empowered. Through thoughtful reforms and political will, the region can unlock its full potential, paving the way for a more united and aspirational future.
The Author besides being a Medical doctor at Mubarak hospital , is very active in positive perception management of various moral, social and religious issues. He can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com & twitter
