But he is clear that there is no rethink on reservations and says the examples set by the southern states prove beyond doubt that an inclusive society can be achieved through reservations without comprising quality and merit. "When the states from the south have shown good indicators on the education front and if they can contribute more to the GDP of the country, is there any reason to doubt the efficacy of reservations?" he asks. Moily, who introduced higher reservation in Karnataka when he was CM in 1992-94, says 50 per cent reservations for both aided and unaided institutions opened up higher education for everybody. "Merit is not destroyed when you put people in a competitive environment," says Moily.
The committee has said that seats will increase with quotas going up to 49.5 per cent, but the actual numbers will vary from institute to institute. According to Moily, the 27 per cent reservation will be implemented in a phased manner, not at one go. The committee will take a hard look at the requirements of super-specialty disciplines.
As for the striking doctors, it took a Supreme Court directive for them to return to work after taking to the streets and paralysing health services for 18 days. With no imminent threat to their jobs after assurances from the apex court, the doctors say their first wish has been granted, namely two sitting judges will be examining the issue. "Though we asked for an independent judicial committee to look at all aspects of reservation, the fact that two sitting judges are looking at the matter is satisfying," says Dr Nitin Kukkar on behalf of the striking doctors and students. Says Dhawan: "The Supreme Court has supported the agitating doctors by asking the government the reason for moving the amendment. It clearly puts the government on the mat." The government gets eight weeks to file its reply before the court.
The doctors say they have the sympathy of the middle class, and the government's ear. But it was apparent that their actions were unbecoming of their profession. Says advocate Manoj Goel, "The direct casualty is life and nothing can be more precious than life itself which was held to ransom by the doctors all these days." He says while the doctors had the right to dissent, merely on the assumption of a perceived threat to their futures they should not have ignored anyone's right to life. Moreover, the strike goes against the Hippocratic oath. Adds Prashant Bhushan: "The action of the doctors could be construed as a clear violation of the conduct of rules but with the Medical Council of India backing the agitation, who is to decide on this?" Well, as of now, the stethoscopes are back on their necks.
