The scene outside the comfort and security of your house is different, dotted with challenges and adversities at times. So, to create the career and life you desire you need firmer ground, profound knowledge, stronger discipline, and edgy skills and your starting point is education; nothing better if it’s of great quality.
Certain issues grappling with education and opportunities give rise to certain uncertainties that are against the general interest, peace, and sustainable development of a society and nation at large.
Dominance of the Quota System
Education is the most significant criterion for creating the career and life you desire. A few decades ago it was a necessity and not everyone could have access to it in many countries. Quota-based reservations were implemented to bridge the gap and ensure equal opportunities for everyone. However, the basis for implementing quotas in education varies from one nation to another. In India it is a caste-based quota, while in Pakistan it is based on urban and rural areas, the quota system in Nepal was implemented to encourage more girls to get educated, and in Bangladesh’s education system quota was allotted to the differently abled, and female students and students from different tribal groups. In Sri Lanka, district quote is in place for higher education to protect the interests of students from the disadvantaged districts. In Thailand, the quota protects the rights to education for the elitists. On the other hand, western countries like the US and UK have a quota system based the on origin of their students – whether international students or from the same country.
The quota system is implemented to encourage the discriminated and backward sections, provide equal opportunity to all, and promote inclusiveness in education. You need that little push when you are starting, which is primary and secondary education. However, can we say the same for higher education as well? When an individual is pursuing his or her higher education, he or she has been adequately encouraged and supported by the quota system. During higher education, the individual is also an adult. Can we then not expect him or her to be on their own? Do we really need a quota system in higher education? It is a question worth pondering and maybe we are running out of time because the convenience and support are believed to have grown into a habit that’s supposed to be there. Debates continue to rage speculating the relevance of quota systems and raise questions at some of the quota systems tend to treat other sections discriminately while trying to protect the interest of a few sections. However, such expressions of discontentment have yet not made any difference to the practices.
Policies have been in place and amended from time to time to protect vulnerable and discriminated sections, to encourage some, and to support others. However, after a certain time, tables tend to turn questioning the relevance of the existing policies. At such a juncture, we may need to pause and evaluate the need for the existing policies, the need for amendment, or complete abolition. For this to be a reality, the social fabric, the decision, and policymakers must reach a point of agreement for the larger good.