Another challenge is in ensuring that only the truly needy make use of these reservation opportunities. If an individual has availed himself of the benefits of reservation and prospered, then his dependents should not be entitled to any reservation privileges. Therefore, even though I belong to the OBC community, it would be improper for my children to be admitted to an institution on grounds other than merit because they would have had all the necessary resources at their disposal to secure their own future. I think the solution lies in finding a middle ground between meritorious students not getting left out and a situation where those who have been neglected for centuries are given the systemic support to realise their dreams and aspirations.

One option could be to introduce the reservations in a phased but time-bound manner that coincides with the growth and increased capacity of our education infrastructure. This will ensure that as we make our educational landscape more representative we also do not deny opportunities to any hard working and deserving student. It is my sincere hope that in the days to come we will be able to provide good schools, teachers and infrastructure to all, so that ours will be the last generation that has to ponder over this riddle of reservation.

The writer is a Congress MP in the Lok Sabhaeditor@expressindia.com