JawaharLal Nehru’s wrote in Young India: ’’ There can be no stable equilibrium in any country so long as an attempt is made to crush a minority or force it to conform to the ways of the majority. There is no surer method of rousing the resentment of the minority and keeping it apart from the rest of the nation than to make it feel that it has not got the freedom to stick to its own ways... it matters little whether logic is on its side or whether its own particular brand of culture is worthwile or not. The mere fact of losing it makes it dear. Therefore we in India must make it clear to all that our policy is based on granting freedom to the minorities and that under no circumstances will any coercion or repression on them tolerated... we can also lay down as our deliberate policy that there shall be no unfair treatment of any minority. Indeed we should go further and state that it will be the business of the state to give favoured treatment to minority and backward communities.’’
What is minority ?
Minority means numerically inferior . It is constituted on basis of religion , wealth , people with inadequate resources , people with inadequate power or representation , i.e. in a society some people are less priviliged on account less resources or being simply outnumbered on matters which are vital from them. So they are vulnerable to majority decisions which may not suit their interests.
Why are minorities favoured ? Infact why do they get extra-special treatment ?
Let us consider an analogy. Suppose some criminals threatens a very rich man. The govt. can protect him only if he gets policemen to guard him. Obviously other people dont get such security. So is the govt. being unfair by giving him special treatment ? -Not when we realise that he is getting extra protection not because he is more favoured but because he has as equal right as others to be secure.
Isnt it quite a paradox?
Unequal treatment for more equality, yes it is quite an irony. But lets consider another example.
So how does this this explain reservations and quotas ?
Let us imagine if govt. starts to treat the rich and poor alike. They will be treated exactly the same. Now accordingly, they are charged a uniform equal income tax. The rich will easily overcome and get richer, while the poor who are already in a bad condition will be excessively burdened. So instead of creating equality such policy will cause much more rise in inequality. This holds true for backward and unprivilliged who may not under ’equal’ circumstances get a chance to get ahead in life.
So is this system flawless ?
I wont say so. Some years back, someone I knew got selected in a very prestigious institute under SC/ST Quota. the irony was he was from a financially very well of family and had a very rich upbringing, compared to him I would consider the middle class unpriviliged. But this is not an uncommon case. Reservations are also many a times being used for political agenda.
That means Reservations & special treatment to minority should be completely abolished ?
Not necessarily. There are many people without adequate resources or representation to support themselves, they need to be protected. But yes, some amendments are required.
For how long is it required ?
Atleast till we have some basic level of standard of living for everyone , which may take a long time.
What is the good thing about it ?
’’Satisfactory solution of questions pertaining to minorities will ensure the health, vitality and strength of the free state of India... Unless the minorities are fully satisfied we cannot make progress; we cannot even maintain peace in an undisturbed manner’’-as stated in Minority rights constituted in constitution of India which dictates protective discrimination of weaker sections.
So what is our responsibility ?
We have a big responsibility as youths. By treating everyone equal and respecting everyone irrespective of Caste, Religion, Sex , Creed and Faith we can contribute to make a secular and peaceful India. We are the future and we should share that responsibility.