When Dr B R Ambedkar introduced reservations in the Constitution, they were meant only for the depressed classes, and that too for a period of ten years.
But being the visionary he was, Ambedkar likely knew that once implemented in a country like India, reservations would be nearly impossible to roll back.
Then came V.P. Singh, who; primarily to secure his position as Prime Minister; extended reservations to the backward classes as well, triggering nationwide protests and riots.
Today, we are in a situation where almost every caste is demanding reservation.
When reservations continue generation after generation within the same families, they become a significant burden on the nation.
For instance, a son or daughter of an IAS or IPS officer can still become an IAS or IPS under a reserved category. How is this logically or morally justifiable?
Before leaving office, former President K R Narayanan suggested expanding reservations into the private sector. Now, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah says reservations should be made compulsory even in private companies.
At a time when Bengaluru is constantly in the news due to corporates complaining about deteriorating roads and infrastructure, Siddaramaiah’s proposal is bound to send shockwaves through the business community.
In India, non-reserved categories have largely survived because of the 1991 reforms introduced by P V Narasimha Rao, which opened India to global markets. The private sector has flourished because it operates on meritocracy.
Against this backdrop, the question arises: Should Siddaramaiah be viewed as a visionary with a bold new idea? Or is he a regressive, toxic leader attempting to reverse the gains of India’s liberalisation?
The debate is wide open — and the alarm bells are ringing.
