Those critical of reservation argue that merit should be the sole criterion for admission to medical courses, as the profession demands exceptional knowledge and skills. They believe that by allowing students with minimal scores into prestigious programs like MBBS through reserved seats, it compromises the quality of medical professionals graduating from such institutions. This, they argue, may lead to a decline in the healthcare system and have long-term repercussions on society.
On the other hand, proponents of reservation emphasize that the system is designed to correct historical injustices faced by marginalized communities. They argue that access to education should be inclusive, and reservations are necessary to level the playing field for disadvantaged groups who have faced systemic discrimination for decades.
The issue remains contentious, highlighting the delicate balance between meritocracy and social justice in India’s education system.