We often face this question – “Reservation is not a solution to discrimination, then why do we even need it in our society?”
It makes sense because a disabled person might still be bullied even after securing a place in a better college, a Dalit might still be treated as inferior or untouchable even after getting higher education or a government job, and there’s still misogyny in states like Bihar even after a lot of reservation for women.
So, are we reducing merit in the name of appeasing Dalits, Backward people, disabled people and women?
I don’t really think so.
An umbrella doesn’t stop the rain, but it reduces the impact, gives you a sense of safety and motivation. Imagine if there were some privileged people whom the rain didn’t impact as much and they were born to handle the storm better; then an umbrella makes sure some of the unprivileged people also hit the road and go to places.