A deep sense of injustice

Our society stands at a crucial juncture where merit, diligence, and achievement should be the cornerstone of success. Unfortunately, the reservation system, initially designed to uplift marginalised communities, has morphed into a mechanism that undermines the aspirations of open merit students, creating a deep sense of injustice. While the intent behind reservation is rooted in equality, its unchecked expansion has led to inequity, disproportionately affecting students who have earned their place based on merit, hard work, and academic excellence.

In the present educational landscape, the reservation system allocates a staggering 70% of seats to students from specific communities, leaving a mere 30% for those in the open merit category. This distribution, while well-meaning, has resulted in profound disparities. Consider a student who consistently outperforms peers, securing top grades across exams, only to be passed over for admission to prestigious institutions due to their non-reserved status. Such instances breed frustration, disillusionment, and, tragically, in some cases, despair. The mental toll on students who feel marginalized despite their academic prowess is immense and cannot be ignored.

While the reservation system undeniably serves a vital role in providing educational opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups, its current structure has become unbalanced. I firmly believe that a fairer distribution is necessary. The reservation quota should be capped at 40%, with the remaining 60% allocated for open merit students. This adjustment would allow for an equitable playing field, where every student, regardless of background, has an equal opportunity to succeed based on their abilities and achievements.

It is essential to acknowledge that the original aim of reservation was to support economically disadvantaged and marginalised communities. Today, numerous scholarships, financial aid schemes, and government programs already provide targeted assistance to economically deprived students. However, when reservation policies extend excessively at the expense of open merit opportunities, they inadvertently create a system that is both inequitable and counterproductive. It is crucial to limit reservation benefits to economically disadvantaged students, ensuring that the focus remains on those who genuinely require support, without overshadowing the rights of students excelling through merit.

The landmark Supreme Court ruling under former judge Indra Sawhney established that reservation should not exceed 50%. Unfortunately, this ceiling has been surpassed in recent years, exacerbating the disadvantage faced by open merit students. The need for a reevaluation of the reservation framework is now more pressing than ever. Restoring balance to the system is not only a matter of fairness but also of upholding the principle that academic success should be based on hard work and merit, not solely on one’s social or economic background.

On December 23, 2024, students across the nation took to the streets to voice their concerns over the disproportionate reservation quotas. Political leaders, including Syed Agha Ruhullah Mehdi and others, lent their support to the cause, acknowledging that while the reservation system has its place, it requires urgent recalibration. This growing wave of public protest, backed by prominent figures such as Waheed Rehman Para and Iltija Mufti, reflects a widespread demand for fair and equal access to education for all students.

In an ideal world, success should be determined by one’s merit, effort, and determination, not by external factors. Our education system must evolve to reflect this truth. The reservation system, while essential in promoting social equity, must be restructured to ensure that the rights of open merit students are not compromised. By achieving a fair balance in reservation quotas, we will not only foster a more just educational system but also contribute to the development of a stronger, more cohesive society that rewards effort and excellence.

Mohammad Arfat Wani, passionate writer, social activist, and medical student from Kuchmulla, Tral.