The Indian government has decided to implement a controversial affirmative action plan despite protests. Under the plan, half of state-funded professional college places would go to lower caste students, BBC Online reports Wednesday.
The Congress-led Indian government announced that a bill would be introduced in parliament. The plan will come into effect in 2007.
At present, 22,5 per cent of college places are “reserved” for Dalits, or untouchables (urørlige), who are at the bottom of Indias caste hierarchy, and tribal students. Under the new plan, 27 per cent of places will also be set aside for lower caste Hindus known as other backward castes (OBCs) and other socially disadvantaged groups.
However, the move has drawn fire from medical students as well as business leaders and teachers who say it will lead to a drop in standards. Doctors and medical staff at state-run hospitals have been on strike for nearly two weeks, affecting medical services in the capital Delhi and other Indian cities.
But the plan has the support of millions of low-caste Indians who make up more than 50 per cent of the country. Despite laws banning discrimination, Indias lower castes remain at the bottom of society and are poorly represented in major professions, BBC adds.
