Editor,
I appreciate Sujit De’s thoughtful response in his letter “Negative Narratives versus Validation” (ST, October 24, 2024). While I understand the points raised, I must respectfully assert that relying on caste-based reservations as the primary means to combat caste discrimination may no longer serve the purpose it was initially designed for. The time has come to rethink this policy, as it has started to produce its own set of negative consequences—new divisions, resentment, and a distorted sense of entitlement among certain groups. I also apologize for the length of my previous letters; my intention was to provide a comprehensive view on a matter that deeply concerns me.
The narrative of validation versus negative perceptions cannot justify continuing a policy meant to be temporary. While caste-based discrimination persists, we must evaluate whether reservation policies achieve their intended goals or merely perpetuate division. Justice PB Pardiwala stated, “The policy of reservation in education and employment cannot continue indefinitely.” Justice Bela M Trivedi emphasized the need to revisit reservation policies: “At the end of 75 years of our Independence, we need to revisit the system of reservation in the larger interest of society as a whole.”
Caste-based reservation is often viewed as an honorable system for representing backward castes. However, we must ask: Has it dismantled caste hierarchies or merely reinforced them? Caste divisions persist, and new animosities have emerged, especially among younger generations who view reservation as a battleground for limited resources.
The purpose of reservation was to level the playing field by providing opportunities to those who had been historically marginalized. In today’s context, it creates division rather than unity. While the author discusses validation, we must consider the resentment generated among those who feel excluded, regardless of merit. Caste-based reservation has created competition for benefits tied to caste identity, rather than striving for merit and progress.
The author suggests that caste-based reservation is essential for uplifting marginalized groups. However, caste no longer correlates as strongly with economic disadvantage as it once did. Many well-off individuals from backward castes continue to claim the benefits of reservation, while economically disadvantaged general category students struggle for support. If our goal is to uplift those in need, wouldn’t it be more effective to base support on economic status rather than caste? As I mentioned previously, scholarships and financial aid are given more to reserved candidates than to unreserved ones; this should change, and assistance should be directed to those who need it most, regardless of caste background.
Recent expansions of reservations, like the economically weaker sections (EWS), acknowledge that poverty transcends caste. Continuing to base reservations solely on caste ignores this reality. Additionally, current reservation policies fuel political demands for inclusion, threatening to entrench divisions and hinder social integration.
Caste reservation was introduced as a corrective measure for historical injustices but was never intended as a permanent solution. Continuing it indefinitely reinforces the caste divisions we seek to eliminate. Negative narratives about caste-based merit have been damaging for generations, but so too are the new narratives of entitlement and exclusion. Reservation should not be about holding onto privileges; it should pave the way for a society where caste no longer matters in determining success.
Real change won’t come from indefinite reservation policies but from fostering a society where caste is irrelevant—valuing individuals for their merit, character, and contributions. We must gradually phase out caste-based reservations and focus on creating a system offering support based on economic need, while educating future generations to see beyond caste.
In closing, while the author’s concern about validation is valid, we must also consider the larger picture. The time has come to ask whether reservations, in their current form, are fostering equality or prolonging caste-based divisions. As we look toward the future, we must focus on creating a society where the need for reservations is eventually rendered obsolete—one where social and economic disparities are addressed through targeted reforms rather than blanket policies that perpetuate caste identities.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Shillong
The mysterious traffic authority
Editor,
I just thought I’d put into words something about this mystifying, all pervasive gentleman I read about every time I walk out of the house but have yet to meet face to face. He seems to be a very powerful person, endowed with enormous authority – I mean throwing orders around like one throws confetti, and these orders adorn almost every street corner around town. You need to possess tremendous clout to throw your weight around like this especially in a lawless town like Shillong. You see this blatant display of power painted on walls, signboards and even spray painted on the surface of our roads! “NO PARKING” , “NO U-TURN” By order STP. Fine Rs 500.“ I mean who is this STP guy? Every Rangbah Shnong and Rangbah Dong seem to swear by him. They simply love to quote his name it seems.
I have met some very ashen-faced and shaken car owners, who swear by all they hold as holy, that upon making some slight driving mistake in some God forsaken locality, to have been confronted by local street urchins out to enforce the fines threatened by the Almighty STP. Not having the courage to question the demands they have quietly paid up , without protest, despite being denied any receipt for the money so dished out. It now seems not only the Headmen but drug addicts simply love to enforce the diktats of the mysterious invisible STP. God have mercy on our miserable souls.
The other day I finally caught hold of a Headman in the city outskirts and managed to corner him regarding the identity of the transcendent all pervasive STP. After much persuasion he finally blurted out “Ew, ba donkam bha te une u STP ban kontrol ki kali ba ieng khlem-akor. Ba ma ba u lah ruh ban shu klap ruh.” (We need the STP to control haphazard parking. STP also comes with the threat of clapping our vehicles. He must have meant clamping but I took him for his word) . So we finally meet the authority that has the power to give you the claps. Won’t wish it on my worst enemies. So friends mind your driving , take care and try to avoid the STP like the plague. Can’t have people walking around with infected claps from the STP, Do we?
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email