Re-Evaluating Reservation: Balancing Meritocracy And Fairness In India's Education System

As an observer of global education policies, the recent landmark decision by the Supreme Court of the United States, ruling it unconstitutional to consider race in university admissions, caught my attention.

This ruling effectively eliminates the principal tool that the nation's most selective schools have used to diversify their campuses.

While some hail this as a victory for meritocracy, a closer examination reveals that this ruling may not be as beneficial as it initially appears.

The Supreme Court's ruling has sparked a nationwide debate, with many arguing that it is a step away from meritocracy. It is a decision that ignores the systemic barriers many minority students face, from under-resourced schools to the legacy of discrimination.

These barriers can prevent even the most talented and hard-working students from reaching their full potential.

By ignoring these realities, the Supreme Court ruling risks creating a higher education system that is less fair, less diverse, and less representative of the country's population.

Prominent Indian American individuals and organisations have strongly voiced their concerns and objections regarding the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action.

The decision has sparked widespread criticism from civil rights groups and countless Indian Americans who fear that it will undermine the representation and opportunities for minority groups in higher education.

The collective outcry underscores the determination and commitment of Indian Americans to uphold principles of justice, equality, and fairness for all.

But the flip side to this ruling is if only meritocracy is considered, institutions like Harvard, will have an influx of deserving Asian American, especially Indian students, who were being denied admission because of affirmative action and less capable students being admitted because of this law.

Despite the implementation of affirmative action policies, white individuals continue to dominate leadership positions in the United States. According to a 2021 survey by Gartner, despite making up 60.1 per cent of the total population, white individuals hold 73 per cent of board director positions and 84 per cent of CEO positions.

These statistics suggest that affirmative action policies have not been effective enough in leveling the playing field.

This development in the United States invites us to reflect on a similar system in India — the reservation system in education. Introduced to rectify historical injustices and provide opportunities for communities that had been systematically excluded from the mainstream, the reservation system has been a subject of intense debate in recent years.

Critics argue that the system, which reserves a certain percentage of seats in educational institutions and government jobs is outdated and needs to be reevaluated.

Many argue that the groups for which this reservation system was made, have made significant progress in recent decades and that the system is no longer necessary. They contend that the continuation of the system only serves to perpetuate divisions rather than foster unity and equality.

Moreover, the reservation system is fundamentally unfair to those who do not belong to the reserved categories. Individuals from non-reserved categories may be denied admission to educational institutions or government jobs despite being more qualified. This, in my view, is a perversion of the principles of meritocracy and equality of opportunity.

Furthermore, the reservation system inadvertently perpetuates the caste system, a system of social stratification that has been a blight on Indian society for centuries. By basing reservations on caste, the system reinforces caste identities and hinders social mobility.

The inefficiencies of the reservation system are also a cause for concern. The system allows unqualified individuals to gain admission to educational institutions and government jobs, which lowers the standards of these institutions and hampers their performance.

In light of these criticisms, an alternative to the reservation system is the need of the hour. An economic quota system would prioritize students from underprivileged economic backgrounds, regardless of their caste or community. This approach would be more effective in addressing disparities and promoting social mobility.

In addition to the aforementioned criticisms, it is essential to acknowledge that the current reservation system often allows individuals from privileged backgrounds, regardless of their caste or religion, to take advantage of these benefits.

Many residents in urban areas, including parents who are doctors, engineers, or government officers, are able to secure reservations for their children, even though they already have access to numerous facilities and privileges, such as prestigious institutions and private tuition.

Meanwhile, genuinely meritorious students from distant towns and villages, who lack such resources and opportunities, find themselves lagging behind despite their potential.

Just like Harvard’s quota system, where priority in admission is given to its previous alumni’s families, who are historically from upward & affluent white families, who also in some cases are big donors to the institute, Indian institutes are also reeling under the system of donations & family connections for admission.

This glaring disparity further emphasises the need for an economic quota system that considers individuals' financial circumstances rather than their caste or religion.

By prioritising students from underprivileged economic backgrounds, irrespective of other factors, this alternative approach would ensure a fairer distribution of opportunities and promote social mobility on a more comprehensive scale.

The debate over the reservation system in India is far from over. It is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and thoughtful solutions. However, one thing is clear: a truly meritocratic system must not only reward talent and hard work but also acknowledge and address the systemic barriers that prevent certain groups from reaching their full potential.

As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to strive for a system that is not only meritocratic but also fair and inclusive. Only then can we ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have an equal opportunity to succeed.

It is time for India to rethink its reservation system and take a step towards a more meritocratic future.

The recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States and the ongoing debate over the reservation system in India serves as a reminder of the complexities of educational policies.

Both countries, despite their different contexts, face the challenge of ensuring equal opportunities for all students while maintaining high standards of education.

As we continue to grapple with these issues, it is my hope that we can find solutions that are fair, inclusive, and meritocratic.