Mandal's children

Mandal's children

Maratha reservation agitation must spur political class to look beyond quotas
The assertion of Maratha power culminating in a massive rally that paralysed Mumbai, India's financial capital, is a warning sign that India's growth story is in danger of veering off course. When dominant groups like Marathas and Jats vie for reservation, originally conceived as an instrument of social justice to uplift those who suffered under the caste system, it calls for a comprehensive review of this policy . The original plan was to progressively end reservations but now more groups wish to enjoy its benefits. Legal challenges over Maratha reservation exceeding Supreme Court's 50% cap on quotas constrains the state government, but that has not stopped protesters from pressing their demands.
To mollify them chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced sops that extend to Marathas educational benefits like fee concessions available to OBC students. But it is unlikely that perceptions relating to denial of opportunities will recede with these new sops. Land-owning communities like Marathas and Jats have been hit hard by the slowing rural economy . That has been exacerbated by the Mandal effect, following which it has become fashionable for powerful caste groups to carve out their own quota of jobs and education regardless of merit. But there is no end to this cycle, as each sop to each caste group will result in other castes feeling aggrieved.
This hankering for reservation militates against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's exhortation to make common cause against corruption, poverty and illiteracy for the next five years. Society remains divided on caste lines and opposition to reservation is being supplanted with collective bargaining and muscle flexing for reservation. As social tensions increase, it is time to look beyond quotas for solutions that can emancipate and empower the greatest number.
Investing in school education, improving quality of education, and facilitating access to quality education gives all young people, irrespective of caste or religion, a better shot at professional success in later life. It must be noted that young Marathas have spearheaded the 58 muk morchas or silent rallies. Their worries about the future are legitimate but hitting the streets may not yield solutions to their problems. The focus must shift away from hiving up existing jobs to creating new ones and expanding the pie. A new political and social consensus is needed. But who is there to bell the cat?