Fundamental failure of Indian education is not discrimination in tertiary institutions; rather, it is the inability of primary and secondary schools to produce enough qualified students. Determination to extend reservations can be blamed on politics. Some close to the prime minister scent an effort by Arjun Singh to embarrass his boss, whose job he is widely reckoned to think should be his.
• The Economist

Draconian quotas have cast doubt on the ability of the country’s leading universities to compete with the best in the world.
• Daily Telegraph, London

Biggest obstacle to modernisation of India’s society is the persistence of its demeaning caste system. So, on the face of it, the new policy is a step in the right direction. But appearances can be misleading. In practice, the move would do very little to expand opportunities for India’s historically disadvantaged groups. But it would deal a serious blow to the quality of India’s best universities...There are certainly reasons for believing that Arjun Singh, India’s minister for education, who unveiled the measure, is using it to bolster his ambitions to replace Mr Singh
• Financial Times

The clash pits winners in India’s ongoing economic boom against those who have been left behind.
• USA Today

It’s undeniable that more people must benefit from India’s economic growth. The danger lies in using caste to make growth more inclusive. A worse folly is for politicians to pretend that caste-based quotas would encourage diversity. Caste-based quotas are the antithesis of affirmative action. India has to obliterate caste-based identities from the national consciousness.
• International Herald Tribune