To Quota or Not to Quota

Re: M. Aliani

A couple of questions - if we use the logic of proportional representation in the quota system, and more recent census estimates, would you agree that the allocations, as they currently stand, are unfair? If so, should the percentages be changed? If it turns out that in 20 years, 80% of populations are urban, would you still say the same?

Since quota is meant to be a short-term solution to the problem of unfair starts in life, wouldn`t it be better to identify some other means rather than ethnic/regional to decide who the under-previleged are?

Shouldn`t our efforts be concentrated on making sure that the majortiy of jobs go to the people who are most qualified for those jobs, reserving 20% or so for the underprevileged, and at the same time, increase ground-level efforts to provide excellent education to the disadvantaged so that they can compete successfully in the job market. We are presently a very marginal economy, and our country cannot forever afford to be hiring the majority of its people on a system not based on merit. If we don`t ourselves, those friends of ours from IMF and World Bank will soon do anyway.

If the quota system had been implemented as it had been perceived, i.e a short-term remedy put in place to increase representation at high governmental levels, while making sure every effort was made to improve education at the lower levels, things wouldn`t be in such a mess today - instead, the worst has happened. No effort was made to improve primary and secondary eduation. Instead, high level quota based placements continue unabated 20 years later. Well, hopefully, not for much longer. We should do away with the system of domiscile. People should be free to move and work wherever they want.

Anita

In USA, all non-competitive laws have sunset clauses. Whether they are supporting Equal Opportunities, or Minority Business Support, or Farm Subsidies. They have figured out that every non-competitive law outlives its usefulness over a period and if perpetuated has detrimental effects on the economy as a whole.

In Pakistan, we started the process by thinking that in 10 years time we will be able to do away with this discrimatory law. But lo and behold this law was extended by the Martial Law Administrator so that the people will not cause trouble (in the event it was abolished). Now the politicians again want to extend this law.

The discontent that this law causes among persons is tremendous and the fall out impact is devastating. The crime rate among literate citizens along with brain drain is on the increase.

Rural development has had no noticeable impact. So while I am completely against having quotas based on population. I do agree that opportunities should be made available to the less privilaged class. This opportunity should be made explicitly on a quid pro quo basis. Just like if you are educated in the Military College you have to serve the armed forces for a minimum of 5 years. So should it be for the students on this seat. They should be required to serve the under privilaged areas of Pakistan.

The basis for awarding these seats should not be from where these persons originate from (because it does not mean they would go back) or if they have financial means (how do you prove that, even the tax department has a hard time determining persons means). More persons that originate from the Urban centres end up serving the underprivilaged areas then persons originating from under privilaged areas itself.

Furthermore, resources could be made available to those students that are studying in Government institutions for 3 years or more to be eligible for funding to study at a private school (just launched in the USA - School Voucher system). This means that the top 1% students of the Government schools would be eligible to study in the Private School of their choice in Pakistan. So if a person has been educated in a Government Secondary School, he may be able to qualify for a full scholarship to study in an institutions such as LUMS or AKUH or GIKIST, etc. or for that matter after three years of education study in City School or Grammer School, etc. for a period of 3 years, to be renewed if he/she maintains top one percent ranking in the new school.

Current quota system is not about getting together the cream from two different geographical area. Its just about getting people from different areas. Anyone can apply from the under privilaged areas and that means if a person who has scored a higher mark fails to apply for the allocated seat the seat is awarded to a person with a lower mark. So standards are not maintained.

It is an oversimplification to assume the best would happen under the current quota system, which has been in place for over 25 years. Let`s change the conceptual framework and put the objectives that we actually want to achieve. Quid Pro Quo.