Every few years, especially during exam results or job recruitment seasons, the same outrage resurfaces across urban India — “Why should caste-based reservation exist? Why should merit suffer?”
But let’s take a moment to ask — what is this “merit” everyone is so protective of? And more importantly, where does it begin?
The Merit Mirage
A child born in an upper-middle-class home in Delhi or Mumbai likely studies in an air-conditioned private school, has access to private tuitions, books, laptops, stable internet, and parents who speak fluent English. They are surrounded by aspiration, support, and security.
Now contrast that with a child from a Dalit or tribal household in rural Bihar or Madhya Pradesh — who walks miles to reach a crumbling government school where half the teachers are absent and basic infrastructure is missing. Home might not have electricity, let alone internet.
Then both children take the same entrance exam and we expect them to perform equally?
This isn’t equality. This is gaslighting disguised as fairness.
Government Schools: Where Inequality Begins
If Indians really believe in abolishing caste-based reservation, here’s a challenge — let every Indian child study in a government school.
No private schools. No international curriculum. No CBSE vs ICSE elitism. Just the same state-funded education system for all.
Would that happen?
Of course not.
Because the real problem isn’t reservation — it’s privilege. And when privilege is threatened, it screams “injustice.”
Reservation Is Not a Free Ride
Let’s get one thing clear — caste-based reservation is not a free pass. It is a tiny push for communities that have historically been denied access, dignity, and opportunity for centuries.
Yes, the system may have flaws. Yes, it could be refined — perhaps with economic filters, better data, and periodic reviews. But to argue for its complete removal while enjoying the fruits of generational privilege is not reform — it’s hypocrisy.
Until the Starting Line Is Equal…
…we will need reservations.
Because the starting line in India is not equal — it’s brutally skewed. If you truly want a meritocratic society, then fix the foundation first: equal schooling, equal nutrition, equal healthcare. Let’s dismantle private schools, eliminate caste-based social discrimination, and make everyone run from the same starting point.
Then talk about merit.
Then talk about reservation.
Until then, reservation is not reverse discrimination.
It’s delayed justice.