JAAT RESERVATION

Recent announcement of Jaat reservation in OBC by cabinet elicited varied reactions. Jaats are termed as ‘dominant caste’ in North India by noted sociologists like M N Srinivas and have assumed position of ‘bullock capitalists’ in post-green-revolution era. They have, for long, dominated the political arena in state of Haryana where Jaat reservation movement gained utmost momentum in recent times. Recent announcement regarding reservation has also raised some fundamental issues vis-à-vis reservation policy itself. Many have argued about the very notion of reservation and its efficacy in past 65 years. Reservation may be a symbolic victory, but its benefits are likely to be reaped by a small section of the purported beneficiaries. Benefits percolate to the bottom of pyramid in a community too slowly and it might well be a time to reflect upon this policy afresh. Some other rational criterion like ‘economic criteria’ may be pondered upon in a re-engineered model of social empowerment to implement concept of reservation.

LIFE @ HIPA – 2: PROXY WAR in CLASS

There are classes in HIPA from morning to evening on various topics including revenue laws, social laws, rules and regulations and other para-administrative issues. Some of the officer trainees (OTs) find college life hangover too difficult to shed-off and are tempted to bunk classes here too. However, their attempts are deftly foiled by a vigilant Mr Mohinder Singhji who been an astute Qanoongo before his retirement and has been given responsibility of ensuring full attendance in classes. Classroom training is a great opportunity to assimilate many theoretical aspects of administration as well as to interact with other fellow trainees who later become lifelong colleagues in career services. Sometimes training become a bit staid and proxies and counter-proxy measures act as refreshing ingredients of training curricula. Punctuality is the greatest asset of an officer and is one of the crucial factors that makes or breaks the image of an officer. Class-room training is a great opportunity to imbibe this quality which all of the OTs will appreciate.