With reference to the report, "Hardik in Delhi, to hold talks with quota-stir leaders" (August 30), the agitation in Gujarat is the backlash of an erroneous reservation policy that has now degenerated into a political tool, deviating from its objective of uplifting backward communities.
Post Independence, reservation was an urgent need. But there is no use of having quota in employment, education or elections if the people belonging to the backward classes cannot be uplifted after decades. Reservation on the grounds of merit is leading to substandard services, especially in government jobs. Only economic status, irrespective of caste, creed, colour and sex, should be considered the yardstick of the reservation policy. No political party will, perhaps, dare to revise the reservation policy on the basis of economic status. But if that is not done there is every possibility of the upsurge in Gujarat taking on an epidemic form.
Buddhadev Nandi Bishnupur
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