POLICY OF EXCLUSIVNESS

India, as a nation, has adopted a policy of exclusiveness. Though no body will agree that such a policy exists, every citizen, political group, NGO and the government is working for its achievement.

Aa an example, after independence our country adopted a policy of reservation of seats in educational institutions for some select groups for a specified period. With time, politicians discovered the potential of this policy to create new and maintain their existing vote banks. More groups were identified. Many education bills were brought in Parliament to extend the reservation to more groups. Some new education bills are pending. First SCs and STs, then OBCs, then BPL families and any other category specific to a state, such as religious minorities.

I believe that the founding fathers of Indian Constitution had in their mind the concept of inclusiveness of the entire people in national mainstream. But the opportunist politicians have turned this initiative into the instrument of exclusiveness. Today Indian society has more groups than it had on the day of independence, and all these groups are fighting with each other. The negative implications of reservation policy - social, legal, administrative, financial and demographic - are there for everybody to see. But vested interests have undermined the national interests and have turned a blind eye on the realities.

The intent behind reservation was a noble intent but it was not reflected in the mindset of those who made schemes and supervised their implementation. The intent is still valid but needs proper corrections. The mindset has to change. The policy of reservation should be replaced by the policy of empowerment. It should be need based and should not be limited to select groups. It should be open to all disadvantaged people. The proposal of corporates to offer scholarships to disadvantaged people is a welcome step and should be encouraged. Government should not force the private business to follow its ill-thoughtout reservation policy.

India needs a movement of inclusiveness of all and exclusiveness for none.