Sunday, May 21, 2006
What proportion of our population is OBC?
According to the Mandal Commission (1980) it’s 52 per cent. But the National Sample Survey Organisation (1999) puts it at 32.1 per cent and the National Family Health Survey (1998) at 29.8. So which is it? Shouldn’t we know before reservations happen?
The NSSO data also shows that already 23.5 per cent of college seats are occupied by OBCs. That’s just 8.6 per cent short of their share of the population according to the same survey. Does that order of difference justify reservations? Or does it call for some other form of action instead?
A study done by two IIT directors (and quoted by SS Gill, Secretary to the Mandal Commission) shows that only 50 per cent of vacancies at IITs for SCs and STs are filled up. Of the remaining half, 25 per cent drop out before completing the course.
The NSSO data also shows that already 23.5 per cent of college seats are occupied by OBCs. That’s just 8.6 per cent short of their share of the population according to the same survey. Does that order of difference justify reservations? Or does it call for some other form of action instead?
A study done by two IIT directors (and quoted by SS Gill, Secretary to the Mandal Commission) shows that only 50 per cent of vacancies at IITs for SCs and STs are filled up. Of the remaining half, 25 per cent drop out before completing the course.
