Supreme Court wakes up, it seems

SC stays 27% quota for OBCs in IITs, IIMs
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/SC_stays_27_quota_for_OBCs_in_IITs_IIMs/articleshow/1826428.cms


Few of the key points mentioned in this news were:
* The apex court held that the 1931 census could not be a determinative factor for identifying the OBCs for the purpose of providing reservation.

* "What may have been the data in 1931 census cannot be a determinative factor now," the Bench said disagreeing with the Centre's mode of selection of relevant data for providing reservation to the OBCs.

* The Court said the State was empowered to enact an affirmative act to help the backward classes but this action could not be unduly adverse to those who were left out.

* "Reservation cannot be permanent and appear to perpetuate backwardness," the Bench observed.


Though the political scenario is in shambles where opportunistic tendencies rule every action of our MPs, I think, SC has been the only hope of retaining any semblance of reason in this country. But, like CBI, SC also has to dance to the tunes of our politicians, though not that evidently. So after giving reservations a 'go-ahead' when Arjun Singh rolled out his plans last year, they have come back at it, citing the out-dated census as an inefficient reason behind such a scheme.

It has been exactly a year since Mandal-II took place. I distinctly remember that period of time when all the students were feeling the urge to standup and protest against it. Our 'march against reservation' was a moderate success (despite the disappointed press that was expecting some "drama"). It was great to watch some 800 students walking in April-sun (17th Apr, to be exact), towards the collectorate. Some 350-400 were DAIICTians, others from NIFT (some Gujarati newpaper claimed students from NLU were also a part of it). All those meetings in OAT, mailing (spamming ?), trips to police station and incessant calls, to media, NIFT students and collector's assistant. We put up something nice to be our first time. Didn't we?

Lets see what happens next; though I'm not very hopeful of a turn-around. Meritocracy is not the principle our "leader" believe in (what else can explain their being there :) ). India, as always, finds a way to survive amidst all the diverse forces trying to tear it apart into pieces. So lets hope.

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Just noticed:
Admission process derailed
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1087847

Sad and inconvenient for many students. The timing could have been better. But better late than never. If this results in finally squashing all forms of quotas then the price in terms of admission-process-inconvenience is meager.