Scrapping quota and jobs on merit at last

The government has finally taken the decision to completely scrap the quota system in first and second class jobs. This was done at the recommendation of a highly powered government committee which also underlined that, if necessary, certain privileges for underprivileged communities can be evaluated in the future. Reforming the quota system had been the rallying cry for a large number of students in Bangladesh and earlier this year, main cities across the country experienced widespread social convulsions leading to disharmony, arrests and a general feeling of malaise.

The system was introduced after independence and with several amendments came to a position where 45 per cent were selected through merit and the rest from the quotas. This fell to 44 per cent later when 1 per cent was introduced for the physically challenged. To look dispassionately at the system, which had been in place for more than four decades, it must be said that when the quotas were introduced, it aimed to provide certain privileges to people to whom this country owes a lot and to those towards whom society has a special duty.

However, with more and more people in Bangladesh preferring to sit for government jobs, the 44 per cent merit based portion is inadequate. Stands to reason, if Bangladesh wants to retain talented young people from leaving the country, there has to be a merit based selection for government employment. This is especially pivotal since Bangladesh aspires to become a middle income state by 2021. Unless there is an ample opportunity for a university graduate, the lure of overseas residence followed by immigration will always be more tempting.

From another angle, the special privileges which had so far been given to certain sectors should not be totally eradicated either. In this regard, the most prudent step would be to introduce special government service exams which will only be for the physically challenged or the disadvantaged. To provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities, a legislation can be passed making it mandatory for all private organisations, local and international, to reserve selected posts.

Previously, there have been accusations of the exploitation of the district quota which will now see a fall. However, there is also a movement now demanding certain quotas to be reinstated, which is actually pulling the whole issue into another vortex of confusion, dissension and friction. Perhaps the best method would be for the government to directly talk to some student bodies and reach a consensus which is fair and acceptable to all sides.

 

Scrapping quota and jobs on merit at last

The government has finally taken the decision to completely scrap the quota system in first and second class jobs. This was done at the recommendation of a highly powered government committee which also underlined that, if necessary, certain privileges for underprivileged communities can be evaluated in the future. Reforming the quota system had been the rallying cry for a large number of students in Bangladesh and earlier this year, main cities across the country experienced widespread social convulsions leading to disharmony, arrests and a general feeling of malaise. The system was introduced after independence and with several amendments came to a position where 45 per cent were selected through merit and the rest from the quotas. This fell to 44 per cent later when 1 per cent was introduced for the physically challenged. To look dispassionately at the system, which had been in place for more than four decades, it must be said that when the quotas were introduced, it aimed to provide certain privileges to people to whom this country owes a lot and to those towards whom society has a special duty. However, with more and more people in Bangladesh preferring to sit for government jobs, the 44 per cent merit based portion is inadequate. Stands to reason, if Bangladesh wants to retain talented young people from leaving the country, there has to be a merit based selection for government employment. This is especially pivotal since Bangladesh aspires to become a middle income state by 2021. Unless there is an ample opportunity for a university graduate, the lure of overseas residence followed by immigration will always be more tempting. From another angle, the special privileges which had so far been given to certain sectors should not be totally eradicated either. In this regard, the most prudent step would be to introduce special government service exams which will only be for the physically challenged or the disadvantaged. To provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities, a legislation can be passed making it mandatory for all private organisations, local and international, to reserve selected posts. Previously, there have been accusations of the exploitation of the district quota which will now see a fall. However, there is also a movement now demanding certain quotas to be reinstated, which is actually pulling the whole issue into another vortex of confusion, dissension and friction. Perhaps the best method would be for the government to directly talk to some student bodies and reach a consensus which is fair and acceptable to all sides.