India’s reservation system has been a contentious issue for decades. Initially introduced to uplift historically disadvantaged communities (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes), it was meant to be a temporary measure. However, it has been extended indefinitely, making it a permanent feature of indian politics.

Many argue that while reservation was necessary to correct historical injustices, its implementation today often overlooks merit. Cases of students and professionals from the General Category (OC) missing out on opportunities despite scoring higher marks than reserved-category candidates fuel resentment. The education and medical fields, in particular, require high levels of competence, and compromising quality for reservation can have severe consequences.

However, the counterargument is that systemic disadvantages still persist for marginalized communities. The question remains: Should affirmative action be based on economic status rather than caste? Unfortunately, political parties hesitate to implement economic-based reservations, fearing backlash from influential caste-based vote banks.

No political party wants to alienate a significant vote bank by altering the status quo.

• Agricultural Income and Taxation: Taxing agricultural income could generate significant revenue, but politicians avoid it to retain farmer votes. Even large-scale commercial farmers, who earn crores, escape taxation while salaried employees bear the tax burden.

• Reservation Policies: Any move to reduce or reform reservations invites strong protests and electoral consequences.
Women-Centric Laws: Gender-based laws, while intended to empower women, sometimes result in misuse. But politicians hesitate to amend them, fearing the loss of women voters.

• Freebies (Revdi Culture): Free electricity, free grains, and cash handouts have become an election-winning strategy, burdening the economy. Despite economic warnings, no party is willing to end this practice.

• Illegal Immigration: Large-scale illegal immigration, particularly from bangladesh and Rohingya refugees, has been a concern. However, human rights debates and political calculations prevent strict action.

Corruption is deeply entrenched in India's bureaucracy and political system. The british left a legacy of an exploitative governance structure, which post-independence politicians inherited and modified to their advantage. The culture of bribery, red tape, and nepotism continues unchecked.

Unlike in developed countries, where governance is largely institutionalized, india still operates on a system of favors, influence, and political connections. Despite wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital governance initiatives, loopholes remain for corruption to thrive.

The USA, under leaders like Trump, emphasized merit-based immigration, favoring skilled professionals over diversity quotas. Many indians prefer the structured, performance-based environment of the West over the chaotic, reservation-driven system in India. However, even in the USA, affirmative action and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies sometimes overshadow pure meritocracy.

The real challenge is whether india can balance social justice with meritocracy and whether any political leader has the courage to take bold steps. Until then, vote bank politics, appeasement, and status quo governance will likely persist.
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SIBY JEYYA

31/01/2025 08:28 AM