Press Cut: Pro-quota medicos groups demands implementaiton of quota

Pro-quota medicos groups demands implementaiton of quota

New Delhi, May 27 (PTI) Apprehending that the government may dilute the provision of reservations for SC, ST and OBCs, a pro-qota group of medicos demanded the implementation of reservation in "strict" terms and that the Prime Minister make the government's stand clear on the matter.

"Through the course of anti-reservation stir, Congress Party has been shifting its stance frequently with different ministers adopting different stances in public," the Medicos Forum For Equal Opportunities said.

"These development clearly indicate that the government is well on its way to greatly dilute the provision of reservations for SC, ST and OBCs," it said in a release.

The group alleged that there was a complicit support of the Left Front in the "mechanisations" of the government, demanding the Prime Minister and the Left front should make their stand clear with respect to the issues of implementation of reservations and the question of setting up of a commission to reiew the reservation policy.

Threatening of an all India coordinated movement of the pro-reservation doctors and progressive forces in the coming week, the forum demanded implementaion of quota for SC, STs and OBCs in the "strictest possible sense of the word" and equal opportunities for quality education for all.

It also demanded vast expansion of number of seats in educational institutions and jobs for all.

For the well being of AIIMS Patients, Dr. Udit Raj seeks permission for Dharna

Dr. Udit Raj (Ram Raj) Member, National Integration Council (Govt. of India) National President, Indian Justice PartyNational Chairman, All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations B-113, Sarvodaya Enclave, New Delhi-110017Tel: 26960022, 26534559
www.pro-reservation-front.blogspot.com

Press Release

For the well being of AIIMS Patients, Dr. Udit Raj seeks permission for Dharna

New Delhi, 29th May, 2006.

Dr. Udit Raj, President of Indian Justice Party and Convenor of Arakshan Samarthak Mocha, has asked the director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences to grant permission to sit on Dharna with suffering AIIMS patients from 5th June, 06.

Dr. Udit Raj said that responsible citizens, students and social-political activists feel that the striking doctors are doing great injustice to the patients of AIIMS. The patients are being denied their fundamental rights, i.e., right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of Indian Constitution. Delhi High Court specifically in case of AIIMS and Supreme Court in other matters held that doctors can't go on strike. In addition Medical Council of India's instructions say, "No physician shall arbitrarily refuse treatment of a patient." This misconduct attracts disciplinary action against striking doctors. He said that the action of doctors sitting on the lawns of AIIMS against reservation for last so many weeks is illegal for various reasons; strikes by doctors have been held to be illegal by the High Court of Delhi. Strikes by employees of AIIMS and demonstrations in and around the vicinity of AIIMS have been totally banned by the High Court. Hence such a strike amounts to contempt of the Court Order; denial of medical treatment has been held to be denial of Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution, by the Supreme Court; strikes by government employees have been held to be illegal by the Supreme Court. Government employees have no right to strike; the act of coercion of medical practitioners to join the strike is illegal because it constitutes inciting others to strike and is also a criminal act and striking work by doctors and neglecting patients by not extending medical services to them amounts to professional misconduct under the Code of Ethics Regulations, MCI.

Dr. Udit Raj said to his knowledge, in director's department, Dr. Venugopal, the Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS), doctors had never gone on strike because of his fear but this time they are leading the agitation. Isn't it because of his tacit support? When employees for their genuine sufferings in the past, went on strike, they were suspended. Why that yardstick is not applicable to these doctors? The director is frequently leading the striking doctors to the Prime Minister Office. It means that he is encouraging them and confusing PM Office to give new assurances that the matter will be reviewed and that further enthuses striking doctors to linger on the strike whereas the matter has been settled on the part of the govt.. AIIMS Doctors have met the Health Minister to end the strike but he did not show any inclination to sit with them and solve the problems. A written complaint has been also given to him by the doctors that they were not being allowed by striking doctors to carry out the duties but no action was initiated. There are very few doctors from AIIMS sitting on Dharna, it is outsiders who are giving life to this Dharna. Without AIIMS director's permission amenities like electricity, water and sweeping could have not been provided to striking doctors.

Dr. Udit Raj further said that the High Court in the AIIMS matter in 2001 directed all authorities - the Civil, Police, Delhi Administration and Health - in case it came to their notice that it was a matter warranting action for resolving any dispute - to take immediate action on an utmost priority basis so as to give no occasion for any dispute or any disruption or prejudice to the smooth functioning of the hospital.

He said that the responsible citizens seek director's permission to sit on Dharna along with suffering patients. This action is not only in conformity with article 21 of Indian Constitution but also strengthening the directions of the courts. When the director can allow illegal action on the AIIMS premise, why can't a Dharna for rightful cause be allowed?

(Sanjay Kumar),
Media In-charge


May 29, 2006

To,
The Director
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
New Delhi

Subject: Permission to sit on Dharna for the well being of patients
on the lawn of AIIMS from 5th June, 2006.

Sir,

The responsible citizens, students and social-political activists feel that patients are being denied their fundamental rights, i.e., right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of Indian Constitution. Delhi High Court specifically in case of AIIMS and Supreme Court in other matters held that doctors can’t go on strike. In addition Medical Council of India’s instructions say, “No physician shall arbitrarily refuse treatment of a patient.” This misconduct attracts disciplinary action against striking doctors. The action of doctors sitting on the lawns of AIIMS against reservation for last so many weeks is illegal for various reasons; strikes by doctors have been held to be illegal by the High Court of Delhi. Strikes by employees of AIIMS and demonstrations in and around the vicinity of AIIMS have been totally banned by the High Court. Hence such a strike amounts to contempt of the Court Order; denial of medical treatment has been held to be denial of Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution, by the Supreme Court; strikes by government employees have been held to be illegal by the Supreme Court. Government employees have no right to strike; the act of coercion of medical practitioners to join the strike is illegal because it constitutes inciting others to strike and is also a criminal act and striking work by doctors and neglecting patients by not extending medical services to them amounts to professional misconduct under the Code of Ethics Regulations, MCI.

To my knowledge, in your department, the Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS), doctors had never gone on strike because of your fear but this time they are leading the agitation. Isn’t it because of your tacit support? When employees for their genuine sufferings in the past, went on strike, they were suspended. Why that yardstick is not applicable to these doctors? You are frequently leading the striking doctors to the Prime Minister Office. It means that you are encouraging them and confusing PM Office to give new assurances that the matter will be reviewed and that further enthuses striking doctors to linger on the strike whereas the matter has been settled on the part of the govt.. AIIMS Doctors have met the Health Minister to end the strike but you did not show any inclination to sit with them and solve the problems. A written complaint has been also given to you by the doctors that they were not being allowed by striking doctors to carry out the duties. There are very few doctors from AIIMS sitting on Dharna, it is outsiders who are giving life to this Dharna. Without your permission amenities like electricity, water and sweeping could have not been provided to striking doctors.

The High Court in the AIIMS matter in 2001 directed all authorities – the Civil, Police, Delhi Administration and Health – in case it came to their notice that it was a matter warranting action for resolving any dispute - to take immediate action on an utmost priority basis so as to give no occasion for any dispute or any disruption or prejudice to the smooth functioning of the hospital.

We, the responsible citizens, seek your permission to sit on Dharna along with suffering patients. This action is not only in conformity with article 21 of Indian Constitution but also strengthening the directions of the courts. When you can allow illegal action on the AIIMS premise, I am hopeful that you will allow my dharna without any hesitation.

Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,


(Udit Raj)

Cc.
1. The Prime Minister House, New Delhi, with request to take appropriate action.
2. The Health Minister, Govt. of India, New Delhi, with request to take appropriate action.
3. The Police Commissioner, Delhi Police, New Delhi, with request to take appropriate action as Delhi High Court direction is clear that police can take suomotto action.
4. The DCP, South Delhi, with request to take appropriate action, as Delhi High Court direction is clear that police can take suomotto action.
5. The SHO, Defence Colony, New Delhi, with request to take appropriate action, as Delhi High Court direction is clear that police can take suomotto action.

RESERVATIONS WILL ADD TO EFFICIENCY, CREATIVITY: GOVT. SHOULD NOT BACKTRACK: IMPLEMENT PAST POLICIES: CARE FOR NEEDY STUDENTS

Press Note/ May 21, 2006

RESERVATIONS WILL ADD TO EFFICIENCY, CREATIVITY: GOVT. SHOULD NOT BACKTRACK: IMPLEMENT PAST POLICIES: CARE FOR NEEDY STUDENTS

By Medha Patkar, Sanjay M.G., P. Chennaiah, and Sanjay Sangvai. Source from Indiathinkersnet.

The People's Movements all over India demand that the Union government must implement the constitutional amendment to reserve the seats for the other backward communities without any delay and see that all the earlier policies, decisions assurances regarding the affirmative actions in favour of the backward castes are implemented fully.

We condemn the deliberate lethargy on part of governments regarding implementing already approved policies of Mandal Commision recommendations. Even now, thousands of seats in educational and professional arena are not filled - rather they are made 'open' for want of 'suitable candidates' from the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes or backward classes. We demand that all the unfilled seats must be filed with the due representation of the concerned classes.

With this we make a strong plea for strengthening the common school policy, common technical and higher education policy and equipping them with quality education, resources and due attention. The newly introduced elitist streak in the higher technical education should be abolished. There should be common public institutions imparting finest quality technical and professional education. The privatization and coprporatization of education and highly technical profession must stop. They are being educated and employed on the basis of public spending. So they must follow the wishes of the people of this country. Therefore there should also be reservations for the backward classes in private enterprises.

For Efficiency and Creativity

The policy of reservations for the deprived classes in the higher and technical education and professions is an opportunity to add to the quality, creativity and efficiency in the educational and professional fields. The reservations must be seen not as 'doling out' something for the 'deprived classes', but it is mark of adding to the experiences, creativity and knowledge bases of various aspects in our public life. Over 70 percent of the workforce in the country is not just manual laborers; they come with their own intelligence, imaginativeness, innovations and resourcefulness. It would make our productive processes and economy varied and richer. Just look at U.S. and other countries where all sections of populations are brought in the vortex of education, sports and other professions. We have to be proud of the fact that we would be much richer nation with the participation of such brains in our social-economic activities in such a large and varied scale.

From all these angles, it is high time that the private institutions, industries and service sector also must be made to accept the reservation policy. These industries will have to be made aware that they operate in India, and they will have to follow the Indian Constitution and law. If they threaten to go outside India, let them go and we shall see whether they get such subsidized water, land, cheap labour, pliant state elsewhere in the world. These industrialists are not making any favor for the people; rather they exploit the people and resources of this country. In this connection, we also disapprove and will oppose the policies of creating 'special economic zones' (SEZ), where no India laws would be applicable.

Though we quite understand the apprehensions in the minds of the students and professionals from the general categories regarding the narrowing space for competition, that alone cannot be reason for opposing the reservations for the hitherto backward communities. The Union and concerned state governments should initiate the steps as to help the poor and deprived students and professionals in the general category.

The unemployment and narrowing down the space for more employment and educational opportunities is not due to the reservations of seats, but due to the neo-liberal political economy that the ruling class in India has adopted in collusion with the global capital. Even without the reservations, the employment and education opportunities in various jobs in India are being eroded and thousands of people are thrown out of existing jobs. We demand that the Union and state governments must end the embargo on the jobs in the public sector and should start thinking of creating more jobs.

We appeal to the agitating students and professionals not to hold reservations responsible for their anxiety and to understand the deeper economic crisis we all have been thrown. We also expect the supporters of the reservations to reason with the agitating students and take them along, caring for their sensitivities and interests. The young student and professional community must not be pitted against each other, who otherwise are the harbinger of the future changes and struggle in this country. We have to strengthen a united struggle against the common adversary in form of national and multinational corporate and imperialist vested interests.

Who made India Illiterate and Poor?

Who made India Illiterate and Poor?
(A Critique at Medicos’ Anti-Reservation Protest Juncture)

By M. Madhu Chandra

Thought of questioning “who made India illiterate and poor?” came some times ago when I started looking into Indian sociological aspect but ample of desire to write it down became heavier when anti quota protest by medicos, IIT, and IIM students at Delhi and else where in India mounted up.

When somebody alleges someone who made him/her illiterate and poor, the world will mock at them but question on who made India illiterate and poor will have different answer.

Union Human Resource Development minister – Mr. Arjun Singh’s proposal to hike up 27% reservation for Others Backward Classes (OBC) in professional central educational institutions remained silent for first one week. The resistance from Medicos, IIT and IIM students generated by medico students of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi sparked when Indian Medias who holds the Brahmin IDs, went from college to colleges provoked the senses of upper caste medical students. The present coverage of anti quota movement in print and electronic Medias are clear visible of one sidedness.

The intensity of anti quota movement led by medicos spread to every corners has some thing connected to the question “who made India illiterate and poor!”

Indian Caste System holds the responsibility for making India illiterate.

“One cannot understand India without understanding the complete nature and scope of the caste system in Indian life. Caste considerations dominate people’s lives from birth to death. This understanding of the caste system and how it controls and regulates social, economic, political and religious life is absolutely essential to interpreting the Indian reality.” Dr. Joseph D’souza says.

India is literate country but made illiterate by upper caste literates. Indus civilization is known of its high intellectual among the world community but they are made illiterate after Aryan invention. Ramayana is famous known episode but written by Balmiki Ratnakar Dalit Hindu devote. But today majority of Balmiki communities are illiterate and do lowest activities like cleaning of human night waste from upper caste homes. "How the very pen once used to be in the hands of Balmiki became brooms?" will only remain amaze. Was it some thing done by upper caste on caste card?

Ever since Aryan invention to Indian soil around 1500 BC, Indian societies have been divided into four castes (color) – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Apart from the four castes, there is a fifth caste, known generally untouchables or Dalits; different names are given like Harijan (children of temple prostitutes), Balmiki, Chamar, Megs, and Lois Mashuhars etc.
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas constitute upper caste while Shudras and untouchables categorized as low caste and untouchables. Upper caste represents only 15% of Indian population while Shudras and Dalits represent 85% of Indian population.

Well articulated jobs descriptions are assigned accordingly to each caste. The educational beneficiaries are assigned only to Brahmins. Brahmins alone were to be educated and acquired all knowledge banks through all available educational systems. Educations are religiously, socially, politically denied to lower caste section of Indian societies.

Kshatriyas are assigned the post of authoritarian rulers of the nation under influence and instructive of Brahmins. Vaishyas are assigned to take hold of the market shares under the instructive of ruling caste of Kshatriyas with influences of Brahmin who generate knowledge from education. Shudras and untouchable Dalits are assigned to serve the upper caste in most degraded inhuman manners.

The denial of education to Dalits Bahujan (Dalit Majority) may not be true in 21st century but the manipulation of education crystal clear particularly scheduled tribes (Dalits). Denial of education to Dalits-Bahujans in past has affected the educational and economical condition of Dalit-Bahujan today. One days’ lost in education effect a week’s education, a weeks’ lost effects a month, a month’s lost effect a year, a year’s lost effect a carrier of a life, a carrier’s lost effect one generation. The same has happened to Dalit-Bahujan today.

Majority of Indian societies represent by Dalit-Bahujans remain illiterate is intentionally done to keep Indian majority illiterate by upper caste community. Deadness of medicos’ anti quota movement is another attempt to keep Indian Dalit-Bahujan illiterate forever and ever.

Enough charges have been given to Mr. Arjun Singh from left and right as attempt to divide Indian youth. There is no question of re-dividing the divided Indian society which Brahmins have setup. Quota proposed by Mr. Arjun will level the divided nations by providing special provision of reservation for weaker section of India society.

Indian Caste System holds the responsibility for making India poor.

Education denied by Brahmincal caste system to Dalit-Bahujan has affected today’s economical condition of Dalit-Bahujans. Education and Economic are two sides of the same coin. Economic generates education but it starts with education.

India is rich nation but made poor by rich upper caste desperately poor by accessing exceedingly assets. India in Brahmincal order has produced world’s recorded upper caste richest sons and daughters.

Caste system description to Vaishyas to hold of trade activities has denied Dalit-Bahujan’s economical development. Brahmincal caste system did not allow Dalit-Bahujan to hold trade as the trade was assigned only to Vaishyas. The earnings of Vaishyas benefited by Kshatriyas as tax returned back to them and Brahmin as they hold the temple treasuries. But Dalit-Bahujan remained only to be victims of caste discrimination at the hands of three upper castes.

Deadness of anti quota to OBC forces by upper caste medicos, IIT and IIM students is attempted once more to cease the possibility for Dalit-Bahujan to boost their intellectual and economical status.

Illiterate and Poor Indian Majority have only unused Power to meet their demand

While education and economic development of Dalit-Bahujan communities seems to be only means to ensure their future. But the education and economic are at monopoly hands of upper caste.

When, education and economic have been snatched away, only one possible mean to ensure the future of Dalit-Bahujans comes to every Indian Dalit-Bahujans during suffrage every fifth years.

Endnote:

Centuries old caste discrimination stories existed in India, which has directly or indirectly made Indian illiterate and poor has been kept hidden by Indian elites. Global communities have started asking why it has taken so long to hear India’s most discriminated inhuman episode. Globalizing Indian Dalit problem, although heavily accused by upper caste elites, will gain global sympathy.

Medicos, IIT and IIM students’ agitation against quota on the basis of equality and merit are clearly seen caste identity. Merit can/should not be only at the hands of upper caste, if should be shared with backward communities so that equality among upper and lower caste community will contribute toward making India shining.

Pro Reservation Front Gallaries

(Planning Meeting of Pro Reservation Front leaders with Dalit-Bahujan Medicos)

(Pro Reservation Front protest at AIIMS. Leaders were arrested)

(JNU Dalit-Bahujan students hunger strike at Mantra Mantra, New Delhi)

(Pro Reservation Front' press conference at Press Club, New Delhi)

(Massive Pro Reservation Front rally at Jantra Mantra, New Delhi, May 9, 2006)

(National Level Pro Reservation Front planning meeting, New Delhi)

(National Level Pro Reservation Front planning meeting, New Delhi)

(Dr. John Dayal, Gen Secy of All India Christian Council with Sr. Mary Scaria - Supreme Court Advocate and Secy of Justice and Peace Commission of Delhi Diocese)

(Christian Communities of India symphathesing with Dalit Bahujan's struggle for Reservation)

(Dr. Udit Raj, President of Indian Justice Party and All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations with Rev. M. Chandra at Press interview at New Delhi)

(Dr. Udit Raj and Massive Pro Reservation Rally at New Delhi)

(Indian Justice Party at Pro Reservation Rally at New Delhi)

Pro-quota students stage rally

Pro-quota students stage rally

HT CorrespondentAllahabad, May 23

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5922_1704446,0015002500030001.htm

PRO-RESERVATION SUPPORTERS of Allahabad University (AU) staged a demonstration at Subhash crossing in Civil Lines here on Tuesday. The semi-draped students painted their bodies with pro-quota slogans.

The students were led by AU student union leader Dr Nirbhay Singh Patel and Ripusoodan Yadav.

Patel said the demonstration was a warning to the Central government and said no reservation for OBCs in higher education would deprive them of opportunities in the future. He said students would take to the streets if their demands were not considered.

Yadav said pro-quota students were ready for an intense struggle and demanded 52 per cent reservation for OBCs according to their population.

Zia Kaunain Rizvi demanded action against doctors opposing reservation and hampering medical services. Several other student leaders said reservation was their fundamental right and they could go to any extent to get it.

Munna Singh Yadav, Ram Chandra Yadav, Chandrika Patel, Santlal Verma, Sudish Gaur and Sushil Gaekwad were present.

Meanwhile, AU students led by AUU president Ajit Yadav joined the pro-reservation rally in front of the Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday.

27% OBC quota to be implemented: UPA, Left

27% OBC quota to be implemented: UPA, Left

NEW DELHI, MAY 23 (PTI)

http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=387181

The UPA coordination committee and the Left Parties tonight decided to implement the 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in higher educational institution in letter and spirit.

"The percentage of reservation for OBCs will be fixed at 27 per cent. Legislation for this purpose will be brought in Parliament in the monsoon session." Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters after a three-hour meeting. Mukherjee said that after the law is passed by arliament, reservation for OBCs will be implemented in central education institutions from the academic session commencing from June 2007.

Mukherjee said that keeping in view the interests of all sections of the students community and to meet their aspirations for opportunities for higher education, the number of seats in educational institutions under the purview of the central government will be increased.

A resolution to this effect was adopted at the meeting of the UPA Coordination Committee and Left parties.

12 doctors attacked by Times of India Staff in Patna

Not satisfied with thier biased and castiest coverage of teh reservation debate, not satified with instigating protests and spreading hatred, the Times of India again exposed its truely violent and bloodthirsty nature.

On Friday 19 May, 12 women doctors were brutally attacked by Times of India staff. They were protesting the castist nature of the Times of India outside its Patna offices. They were lathi charged and resisted the police aggression. Not content with the police violence, the staff cornered 12 doctors who had been seperated from the main protest by the lathi charge. They surrounded them and thrashed them brutally. It this was not enough their clothes were torn off and they were violently molested. Two of them are criticallly injured and all of them are still in shock.

This blatant aggression has to checked. The culprits must be punished and the the Times of India must be made to issue a national public apology. Its management is also responsible and cannot be let off.

We must stand in support of the doctors and ensure that massive public pressure is brought to bear on the governemnt to indict the Times of India and see that the injured doctors get justice.

Student's Campaign for Claim on Nation shall soon publish the detailed report of the violence along with the injured doctors testimonies.

What more do the upper castes want?

The Rediff Interview/Udit Raj, Chairman, SC/ST Federation

http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/may/16inter2.htm

May 16, 2006

Dr Udit Raj (formerly Ram Raj) is the chairman of the All-India Confederation of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Federations.

In 2001 he embraced Buddhism. "Conversion is a rejection of

whatever caste stands for. It is a great walkout from Hinduism," says the man who is now a follower of Dr B R Ambedkar and supports conversion as "a healthy process."

In an interview to Managing Editor (National Affairs) Sheela Bhatt on the current anti-reservation movement favouring reservation for Other Backward Classes, Dr Raj spoke about why reservations are important for Indian society.

How do you see the vigorous protests of medical students against the reservation policy for OBCs?

I don't think it is very vigorous. Few medical students are doing it. In fact the media is helping them.

On May 2 and May 10, we had our agitation which was much more bigger but the media didn't report it or gave little coverage. This shows that the liberal voice in India is shrinking.

Unfortunately, the Indian Medical Association is also going on strike. On May 11 students and IMA protestors disrupted traffic at India Gate, New Delhi. We never do that. We restricted ourselves to the Jantar Mantar area assigned to us by the police.

It seems the doctors want to draw more attention. It shows the protestors' mindset. Medical students were protesting with brooms and trying to say that some (kind of) labour does not have dignity. Every labour has dignity. This is unbecoming of doctors.

If professionals like doctors behave like this it shows they are not interested in academics. The doctors' protest is illegal and against the spirit of the Constitution.

There is a background for their agitation. There is a big change in the law.

In the last winter session, Parliament amended the Constitution. It was the 93rd Constitutional amendment where Other Backward Classes have been given reservation in IITs, IIMs and universities.

On August 12, 2005 the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in the case of P A Inamdar & Others versus State of Maharashtra and others that the state can't impose its reservation policy on minority and non-minority unaided private colleges, including professional colleges and medical colleges.

My organisation, the Justice Party of India, Left parties and many others strongly protested at a huge public meeting. It was attended by leaders like (Janata Dal-United leader) Sharad Yadav, (Communist Party of India-Marxist MP) Nilotpal Basu and (Communist Party of India Secretary) D Raja.

We protested that we will not accept the Supreme Court judgment. Later, the 93rd Constitution Amendment was brought and passed unanimously by all the political parties except two members who abstained. The OBCs were given 27 per cent reservation but at that time nobody opposed it.

Why didn't the doctors oppose it then?

Because the media is playing a greater role now. When Arjun Singh gave a statement nobody opposed it for a week. But the media started going to campuses for stories and reactions. The media took up the role of agitators in this issue by opposing the government's move and the protests gained momentum before television cameras.

In Bangalore more than a lakh supporters of reservation came out on the streets but no television channel reported that. How do you explain it? Dalits and OBCs are coming together and supporting the government that is not taken as news.

What are your arguments for having quota in higher education even for OBCs?

First, wherever reservation is implemented in the southern states it is working well. In Mysore state in 1921, reservations were implemented. In Kolhapur state it was introduced in 1902. In Tamil Nadu reservations are up to 69 per cent but nowhere have you seen a law and order problem.

Two, in Tamil Nadu, the education standards and administration are not compromised. What these students are protesting about is the issue of merit. What is merit? They are talking about something that is achieved with the help of cramming, tutoring, support by public schools and knowledge of English.

India doesn't have to its credit in the international arena any great invention of modern times achieved by students in general categories. They get higher marks to get into big universities. But these big institutions don't think merit should also consist of patriotic feelings, hard work, honesty and a humble aptitude.

For our society these are not element of merit. Not many Dalits or OBCs have the money to fit the current merit criteria.

And just give me one answer: Why are these doctors not opposing the colleges who disregard merit and take money in form of capitation fees?

Why are they not opposed to the NRI quota?

Why are they not opposing those inferior students of private medical colleges who are rich? Is it not affecting the medical profession?

The medical students should call off their strike because it is not in the interest of the nation. The integration of society is more important than any other thing.

Reservation is the method to integrate society; it will take time but have patience.

Facts don't support the argument that it will integrate society.

Till the reservations were given, Dalits in Indian society were totally isolated. They were living on the outskirts of villages and were humiliated. But after reservations they are sitting side by side with the upper castes.

They are now in state assemblies and Parliament only because of reservations. How are you forgetting that? Similarly, the OBCs will gain now. Although it will shrink the privileges of the Dalits for the sake of justice we the Dalits want reservations for OBCs!

Reservation serves the purpose of social harmony.

If quotas are introduced now, eventually there will be reverse discrimination. How will it bring about social harmony?

For long, in many places 70 per cent to 80 per cent seats were open in the general category. The upper castes were using it. Right? Now they have been given 50 per cent of the total seats whereas the upper caste population is just 15 per cent. I think that is good enough. What more do the upper castes want?

It is a good deal that 15 per cent of India's population has 50 per cent of the seats. Do you want India's majority on the streets agitating against this 15 per cent? What do you want us to do? Do you want the majority population initiating the demand that let reservation be given on the basis of the proportion of the population of each caste?

Whatever reservation now exists for the Dalits and tribals is not filled up by them? OBC reservation may also remain underutilised.

Blame it on the mindset of the upper castes. Many Dalit medical students are suffering because during internal assessment, they become victim of biases. The Dalit student's identity is known and the supervisor knows he is poor in English and that creates a bias.

Only in India are Indians victims because of their lack of knowledge of English. It is not just lack of sophistication, it is the mindset of the upper castes that is a hurdle in filling up posts.

Why don't you understand that (Human Resources Development Minister)Arjun Singh's action and politicians' support to him is nothing but vote bank politics?

They will have to support reservation otherwise a majority of India will throw them away in the coming elections.

Even if politicians don't support reservations from their hearts electoral equations are such that they have no option.

The agitators must understand the combination of Indian society and where they stand! They should part with the pie of cake they have!

Pro Reservation Front - Press Release May 22, 2006

B-113, Sarvodaya Enclave, New Delhi-110017, Tel. : 26960022, Telefax : 26534559
www.pro-reservation.front.blogspot.com, delhiprf@gmail.com

Press Release
Massive Dharna staged at Jantar-Mantar in favour of reservation. If implemented in phases, govt. to face big rally

New Delhi, 22nd May, 2006.

The convenor of Arakshan Samarthak Morcha, Dr. Udit Raj, in his statement said that today's dharna was in response to anti-reservationists. It seems that govt. has started dithering from its commitment. We will not accept less than what has been the spirit of 93rd Constitutional amendment, which entails that 27% reservation, shall be provided to the OBC's in IITs, IIMs and Universities. The group of ministers is trying to dilute while recommending it to implement in phases. If that is going to happen, Arakshan Samarthak Morcha will hold a massive rally at Ramlila Ground, New Delhi.

Besides Dr. Udit Raj, the other constituents of Arakshan Samarthak Morcha - Satya Prakash and K. C. Yadav of Yadav Mahasabha, Kesari Singh Gurjar of Kisan Manch, Madhu Chandra of All India Christian Council, Babu Singh of Dehat Morcha, Rakesh Rafique of Yua Bharat, Pro. P.C. Patanjali of Backward Claseses Vikas Manch, J. C. Gola of Prajapati Mahasabha, Kanwar Pal of Haryana Dalit Backward Mahasangh, Lalji Chaurasia of Chaurasia Samaj, Ram Sharan Bhati of Gurjar Mahasabha, Shyam Sunder Sen of Sen Samaj, Ram Kishan Chhaleria of Khatik Welfare Emp. Asscn., V. P. Nagar of A. I. Backward Classes Confederation unequivocally demanded that reservation meant for OBC should be implemented in toto. Kamal Ashraf of United Muslim Morcha supported demand. The Doctors from AIIMS, Ram Manohar Lohiya Hospital, Lady Hardinge, Maulana Azad Medical College and Loknayak Jaiprakash Hospital also participated in the Dharna.

As per court direction, agitation and strike are banned on AIIMS premises, however, due to tacit support of Director, Mr. P. Venugopal, doctors are sitting on Dharna in lawn of AIIMS. The govt. was urged to remove him with immediate effect. When leaders and workers of Arakshan Samarthak Morcha wanted to sit on Dharna on 17th May, 2006, they were not allowed, rather police arrested and detained. Double standard on the part of the authorities are also highly condemnable.

Anti-reservationist doctors say that reservation will dilute merit. If at all they are concerned about it, why didn't they oppose the NRI quota and admission against capitation fee. Their argument about merit is demolished the moment the examples of all four states of South India are cited. Health index is higher in Tamilnadu where reservation is up to 69%. The reason is that OBC and SC/ST doctors and engineers after completing the studies, prefer to work in their native places. Most of the products of AIIMS and IITs from so called upper castes always try to run away from the country in order to earn dollar money.

Dr. Udit Raj said that for the first time 'show cause notices' issued to the doctors have been burnt collectively and publicly and that has brought down the authority of Health Minister in public estimation. If Health Minister, Dr. Ambumani Ramdos, is not in a position to deal with the situation firmly, he should rather relinquish the post. All those who addressed the Dharna, favoured to have a massive rally at Ramlila Ground, New Delhi.

Release by Mr. M. Chandra, Media Incharge, Pro Reservation Front, New Delhi

Pro-reservation demonstration held before Raj Bhavan

http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=385085

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 15 (PTI)

Amidst countrywide protests against reservation for OBCs in elite educational institutions, a pro-reservation demonstration was organised in front of the Raj Bhavan here today.
The demonstration was organised under the banner of Social Justice Movement led by its President Ashok Das.

Former Union Minister and President of the newly-formed Orissa Mukti Morcha Bhajaman Behera, President of the state unit of Samajwadi Party Baishnab Parida, former MP Anchal Das and former MLA Sura Sethi also joined the demonstration.

A five-member delegation led by Ashok Das later submitted a memorandum addressed to Governor Rameswar Thakur which hailed the UPA government's move to provide reservation for OBCs in elite educational institutions.

"It (the reservation) is a right and timely decision and we, the backward class people wholeheartedly stand by this", it said.

The memorandum also urged the Governor to prevail upon the government to make law for reservation in the private sector as employment opportunities were "very few".

PRO RESERVATION FRONT formed

Pro Reservation Front
B-113, Sarvodaya Enclave, New Delhi-110017, Tel. : 26960022, Telefax : 26534559
Dr. Udit Raj - Convenor
Press Release

Public Meeting on 10th May to shun the anti-reservationists and to demand reservation for OBC, dismantle of Knowledge Commission

New Delhi, 9th May, 2006.
The Convenor of Arakshan Samarthak Morcha (Pro Reservation Front), Dr. Udit Raj, informed that a massive public meeting would be held at Jantar-Mantar on 10th May, 06 to rebuff anti-reservationists and to build the pressure on the govt. to implement reservation for OBC in IIT, IIM and universities.

Progressive, dalit and backward organisations, with strong public backing at a meeting on 5th May, formed Arakshan Samarthak Morcha (Pro Reservation Front) to give a befitting reply to a handful of people opposing the reservation policy. Dr. Udit Raj, President of Indian Justice and All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations, was elected to lead the front. Satya Prakash and K. C. Yadav of Yadav Mahasabha, Kesari Singh Gurjar of Kisan Manch, Madhu Chandra of All India Christian Council, Babu Singh of Dehat Morcha, Rakesh Rafique of Yua Bharat, Pro. P.C. Patanjali of Backward Claseses Vikas Manch, J. C. Gola of Prajapati Mahasabha, Kanwar Pal of Haryana Dalit Backward Mahasangh, Lalji Chaurasia of Chaurasia Samaj, Ram Sharan Bhati of Gurjar Mahasabha, Vasudeo Yadav of OBC Railway Employees Fed., V. P. Nagar of A. I. Backward Classes Confederation and many such other organizations are its constituents.

Arakshan Samarthak Morcha has now decided to hold a grand rally at Jantar-Mantar on the 10th of May, 06, the day on which the Monsoon session of Parliament is due to begin to send a clear signal to the people who are opposing reservation that in the interest of social justice and harmony, they should stop their agitation immediately. The Pro Reservation Front strongly supports the govt. and Cabinet Minister, Shri Arjun Singh, for introducing 27% reservation in educational institutions for OBCs and urges that in case the govt. dithers on this issue, there will be nationwide protests and agitations in support of 27% reservation for OBCs.

Dr. Udit Raj pointed out that all talk of merit and high standards by a handful of anti-reservationists is just an expression of their self-interest. Still 50% of the seats are open for the general category students and they can show their merit and skills, if they so desire. It is a cheap gimmick on the part of doctors to have paraded themselves on the roads with 'brooms' in their hands this shows their mindset that 'sweeping' is not a respectable job and is meant for the people belonging to backward classes. Many of the students get admission into private medical and engineering colleges by paying huge capitation fees. Are these professions not adversely affected by this practice of capitation fees? If merit is the sole criterion the doctors should have protested against this practice.

The doctors claim to be fighting for all upper caste people but actually some self-centered people are fighting with ulterior motives. The upper class common people do not stand to gain anything from this agitation, which is meant to serve the interests of elite doctors.

Dr. Udit Raj said that the so-called Knowledge Commission is to be dismantled immediately and majority of its members are not connected to grass root reality - caste discrimination, problems of tribal and village society, however, they may be having bookish knowledge and plethora of references and that is not sufficient to lead such Commission.

(B. P. Singh)
Office Secretary

The Shame of Upper Caste India and the Furor over OBC Reservation in Institutes of Higher Learning

Truth is that upper caste India has enjoyed a perverse system of reservation for 3,000 years,

by Dr. Joseph D’souza


For the last couple of days I have watched with huge embarrassment the upper caste-led English media TV talk shows in India react to the proposal of India’s Union Ministry for Human Resources to give the Other Backward Castes (OBCs) reservation in the Central Government-aided institutions of higher learning such as the IITs, IIMs and other central universities.

I am deeply ashamed at the blindness of upper caste India as demonstrated by the talk show hosts and the majority upper caste studio audience members who seem to be completely out of touch with the realities of the social injustices and inequities meted out to the majority Dalit-Bahujan people by the oppressive and degrading caste system. Above all there seems to be a complete lack of the history of modern India vis-à-vis the caste system and a total ignorance of the works of Ambedkar, Phule and Periyar. It seems upper caste India wants to be socially ignorant, comfortable, secure and content in their modern, globalized, English-speaking enclave and let the rest of the caste-oppressed Indians be condemned in their own struggle for existence.

One Indian talk show host described the television audience within the studio as a representative sample of “middle class Indians”. But when pushed into the corner to mark out the identity of those English-speaking Indians in the studio, it was clear to those of us who were watching the show across the nation that the studio audience was 90% upper caste.

In another show, the OBC/Dalit minority audience in the studio staged a walk out because of the farce of the so-called “impartial middle class” India in the studio and the agenda of the show itself which heavily favored the majority audience in the studio.

What is English-speaking, middle class India if not a mainly upper caste India who are there because of opportunity, economics, power and freedom enjoyed by upper caste Indians for 3,000 years? The truth is that upper caste India has enjoyed a perverse system of reservation for 3,000 years through the enforcement of the caste system. The minority upper castes who make up just 17% of the population have usurped over 90% of all economic, educational, political, spiritual and social power in India for 3,000 years. Why not discuss that issue for five minutes in the talk shows? Or is it threatening to the very system that runs India? It is only now in a democratic India that some attempt is being made to redress this horrendous injustice.

Talk of meritocracy in this context is highly hypocritical. Meritocracy works where there has been a consistent level playing field for all over a consistent period. Do most of the Dalits and OBCs have the same level playing field and opportunities? How many Dalits and OBCs in the past 50 years have had access to the highly expensive private English-medium school education?

Why is upper caste India not bearing its shame in what has been done to the oppressed castes in India down through the centuries? Without this sharing of guilt and shame there will be no healing and reconciliation in India. The caste system will bitterly divide and bleed our India.

Why is upper caste India so blind? How can we walk the streets of India and fail to notice what our oppressive caste system has done to the country and her majority people? How can we ignore the oppression and poverty of our people? Is just economics the primary reason for this or is social injustice meted out by a degrading social system? Just look at the conditions of most Dalits whatever their religious affiliation. Are we not ashamed at all for the part we have played in their deplorable condition?

How can we deny that we are faced with two Indias? President Bush may cause us revel in an “India Shining”, but what about the “India in Darkness” which is present in our streets, slums, towns, villages and forests – the India of the vast majority?

And do we think that a mere 50 years of reservation has resolved the Dalit problem and that the OBC reservation of the past two decades has resolved the problems of the Backward Castes?

Upper caste India has to carry its historic shame and guilt and lead the struggle to abolish the caste system permanently in India. Upper caste India must develop a social conscience that intentionally includes the Dalits and the OBCs in all spheres of power – economics, education, politics, science and spirituality – this will mean proportional representation. Upper caste India must embrace and entwine their lives, future and their bloodline with Dalit-Bahujan India for the sake of their own children’s future.

Our politicians will not deliver. We the citizens of India must deliver emancipation to the Dalits and the oppressed backward castes – now and forever.