Once more, the controversial reservation system in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has stirred up the age-old debate between affirmative action and meritocracy. It comes as voices are being raised evermore against what many consider a rigged system, highlighting the delicate balance of social justice and progress in an area already dealing with political and social turmoil.
The Policy and Its Contours
Reservation policy in J&K has been intended to uplift the marginalized community which includes Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the extension of a plethora of Central laws to the erstwhile state added further changes. These included EWS, meant to broaden mercy, but critics say that has diluted what reservations were instituted for.
A policy that reserves a significant portion of government jobs and educational opportunities for various groups—a practice intended to level the playing field in a poorly integrated society, with a long history of discrimination—is now also a tool of the state. But it has also, critics say, meant that this technique has led to a dilution in meritocracy and put the deserving candidate in the general category at a disadvantage.
Rising Dissent
Recent protests opposing the reservation policy have shown that many segments of society – especially from unreserved categories – are increasingly unhappy. These groups contend that the existing system promotes dependency over empowerment and does not provide sufficient reward for merit and labour.
Critics argue that the reservation policy has gone away from its original spirit. Rather than a temporary fix to lift marginalized communities, it has in their view become a permanent entitlement. People who are affected — students applying to universities, job seekers, and professionals — have echoed this sentiment, arguing that the policy unfairly limits opportunities for those who do not belong to the reserved categories.
The Question of Meritocracy
One of the key elements of the current social uproar is the call for merit-based systems. Advocates of this perspective argue that a meritocracy drives innovation and competitiveness, which are key components of societal advancement. They argue that over-dependence on the policy invariably sows inefficiency and mediocrity in public services, education, and governance.
But those in favour of reservation say the ground is anything but level. They argue systemic inequalities and social hierarchies persist, keeping marginalized communities from competing on equal terrain. In this approach, reservations are not a dilution of merit or excellence, but a mechanism to create equitable access for those out of the mainstream through history.
Equity versus Efficiency
The debate speaks volumes about how to balance equity and efficiency. Is it possible for a society to deliver fairness without tackling deep inequities? On the other hand, can it afford to erode meritocracy in pursuit of social justice? The answer probably lies somewhere in between that allows for both access and excellence.
Experts recommend a few steps to achieve this balance. For example, periodic reviews of reservation policies could better target those who need it. Further, investing in quality education and training for underprivileged communities will enable those to compete on merit rather than live on reservations.
The Role of Governance
Governance bears immense importance to deal with these issues. The reservations should actually be made available to those for whom they are intended without it breeding a feeling of alienation among this other section of society; for which there should be transparent and accountable systems in place. Policymakers also will need to work with stakeholders across the spectrum to find consensus and address grievances.
In J&K, the matter is especially sensitive, given the unique socio-political context surrounding the region. Therefore, any changes in policies should embrace the wishes of different communities while leaving no group feeling neglected or disadvantaged.
Epilogue
The dissent against the reservation policy in J&K represents a larger angst roiling Indian society where questions of equality and merit are often at odds. Affirmative action is a necessary process for an equitable society, but it should be exercised in accordance with the ideals of balance and merit-based society. In the on going debate, it is all stakeholders’ responsibility to find solutions that are inclusive, fair, and forward-looking so that prosperity becomes a shared growth for all segments of people in all parts of the world.
