Mailbag

Panacea in reservations

Sir,

Reference be made to the letters (two in number) published in DE by Mr J C Sharma titled ''End Reservation'' dated May, 3, 1999 and June 1, 1999. I have gone through both the letters in detail. The author (in both the letters) has insisted on ''Stopping Reservation in promotions'' only. This proves, obviously an individualistic and selfish approach rather than a general one, on the part of the author.

Again, I would like to inform Mr Sharma and others (who consider the reservation as 'Charity') that these rights were provided to SC/STs under ''Poona Pact'' signed in Yervada Jail of Poona. The 'Reservation Policy' was put forth to install these depressed and oppressed classes on the pedestal of dignity and self respect. The New York based Organisation in its report ''Broken people. Caste violence against India's untouchables'', released recently said, ''Untouchability was abolished in the country in 1950, yet entire villages in many Indian states remain completely segregated by caste, in what has been called ''Hidden apartheid''.

SC/STs together form about one third of the population of India (SCs-20 percent and STs 10 percent). It is through the Article 341 that SC/STs have been provided with special protection for their advancement. Keeping in view, the miserable plight of SC/ST and OBCs throughout the country, ''Reservation'' seems to be the only solution. Reservation will open new vistas for the overall development of these depressed and oppressed sections of the society by providing them respectable jobs, equal shares in social and political arena and so on. This will certainly raise their socio-economic status, in addition.

Yours etc....
Vijay Bangotra
State General Secretary
Budha Club Student Front.

Find amicable solution

Sir,

The country which was known as ''Sone Ki Chidya'' got its freedom after a long period of struggle and blood shed. But this freedom was accompanied by a very tragic event in the history that was the partition of country.

The seeds that were sown by British a long time back grew into thorny bushes and resulted in the partition. But even after the partition which killed many people of India and Pakistan, both the countries did'nt learn a lesson. In their 52 years of Independence they fought three wars, 1947, 1965 & 1971. Even after all this the Kashmir issue was not resolved.

But the cause of concern now is that both the countries have gone nuclear last year only. And within a gap of one year the situation that is emerging indicates another war between the two countries.

And if so then the issue will be resolved for ever as the two countries themselves would get finished. I am not saying that this should happen but I am trying to say that what Nostradamus predicted a long time back may just be true.

So it is not time to fight wars for individuals or for political gains but to sit and think and resolve this issue amicably.

Yours etc....
Anonymous