Letter to BS: Modi's quota move seems to be a pre-poll political gimmick

The government’s hasty decision to give 10 per cent quota in jobs and educational institutions for the economically backward upper castes at this point in time seems to be a pre-poll political gimmick. The move is perfectly understandable as upper castes form the Bharatiya Janata Party’s core support base. 

The object of reservation is to correct the under-representation of the lower castes in education and employment. As for the poor among the upper castes, economic assistance can be extended to them. Reservation is primarily aimed at reversing centuries-old caste oppression and regaining dignity.

In this context, the creamy layer rule precludes the