Reservation Policy and Brand Value: The Case of IITs

The reservation policy, introduced with the aim of addressing centuries of historic oppression, inequality, and discrimination faced by marginalized communities, particularly the dalit and others, was intended to uplift socially, economically, and politically disadvantaged groups and provide them with equal opportunities. However, this policy, after 69.5 years of India's independence, has seemingly lost its original purpose and has started to create more problems than solutions.

Kids Who Struggle

Many students who gain admission to premier educational institutions like the IITs based on caste-based reservations face significant challenges. Although this may not be true for everyone, such struggles can lead to dissatisfaction with their work, leading to frustration. Some students become complacent and casual in their approach to life, failing to tap into their full potential and talent.

I have noticed that some highly talented friends lose all hope and develop a low self-confidence because they struggle to keep pace with their batch mates. This is a stark contrast to the envisioned equal opportunity that the policy was designed to provide.

Wasted Vacant Seats and Economic Reservation

Another concern is the issue of vacant reserved seats. A study post-joint counseling in 2016 revealed that around 73 seats in IITs and 1518 seats in NITs remained vacant for lack of suitable candidates. This wastage of resources not only negates the goals of the reservation policy but also misguides potential students about the eligibility criteria and the true value of the institution.

Reservation should, in fact, be based on merit rather than caste if it is to truly serve its intended purpose. In India, only about 0.7% of scholarships or student aid is merit-based. It would be much more beneficial if more opportunities are provided to students for entrance exam preparation rather than solely reserving seats based on caste.

Economic Conditions, Not Caste

A fee waiver system should be entirely based on the economic condition of the student, rather than a blanket 100% waiver for all SC/ST students, irrespective of their economic background. This approach ensures that the benefits are directed to those who truly need support and that the financial burden is shared more equitably.

While the above facts hold true for many students of reserved castes, there are still some who are exceptionally hard-working, talented, and proud. These students prove that success and capability can rise above any reservation category.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reservation policy, as it stands today, does not fully serve its intended purpose of providing equal opportunity. Instead, it often leads to complacency, underutilization of resources, and confusion about merit-based achievements. By shifting the focus towards economic factors and providing more preparatory support, we can better achieve the goals of inclusivity and merit.