Does the Ghost of Reservation back again in India?

Yesterday, all India saw the news of protests by Patels in Gujarat for the reservation in Government jobs. During the day, we all witnessed the huge strength of Petal community which came to support their young leader Hardik Patel and at night widespread violence in different parts of Gujarat which results in curfew in various parts in Gujarat.

The demand for the reservation for Patel community is raised by the Aarakshan Andolan Samiti which is lead by Hardik Patel. Petal community accounts for the 12% population of the Gujarat and they are demanding for inclusion of Ptelals in OBC category which will open the way for 27% reservation for Patels.

The main problem in this protest is that Patels are among the economically and socially strong communities of Gujarat. Now, if the government allows reservation to them, then it will add fuel to the already burning demands of reservations by other communities. Already, many economically and socially strong communities in different parts of India are demanding reservation.

In the past too, the government of India has seen many violent protests by students and communities against and in the favor of reservation. Last protests for reservations in government jobs were by Gujjars in Rajasthan. During these protests, many common Indians suffered and some even lost their life.

Government jobs are very popular in India from British era, despite the availability of fewer jobs every year. Due to the long era of reservation, many people and communities believe that reservation is the only way to get these jobs. So, we are seeing an uptrend in demands for reservation by many people who actually belong to strong communities.

The main reason of increase in demand for the Reservation is increasing economcial difference in peoples of the same community. For example, Patel may be economically strong community of Gujarat; however, still there will be many economically weak people in this community who may need a reservation or looking for it.

The same situation exists in all communities of India, which are considered strong or economically well. At this level, Government of India and state governments need to solve this issue very wisely; otherwise, we can see a major increase in such protests from different parts of India.

In the past, Indian politicians have misused reservation for their political gain and this move has caused great harm to the country. We need to identify the problem well and then define a solution which is acceptable to all; otherwise, we should be ready for the next level of reservation war in India.


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