Wed Dec 04 00:54:18 UTC 2024: ## Bihar’s Reservation Debate Heats Up: Youth Divided on Tejashwi Yadav’s 85% Quota Proposal

**Patna, Bihar:** The contentious issue of reservation in Bihar has once again taken center stage, with Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav proposing a radical new formula. During the ongoing winter session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Yadav advocated for increasing the reservation quota to 85%, sparking a heated debate.

Local 18 conducted a poll amongst youth in Patna, many preparing for Bihar Police recruitment physicals, to gauge public opinion. The response was mixed. While some supported Yadav’s proposal, arguing that representation should reflect population share (“Jiski jitni hissedari, uski utni bhagidari”), others strongly opposed it.

Critics argued that an 85% reservation quota would be detrimental to general category candidates and perpetuate existing inequalities. One youth, Mantù Kesari, described the current reservation system as “very bad,” suggesting it had outlived its purpose and should be abolished. He highlighted the historical context of caste-based reservation, arguing that while initially intended to uplift marginalized communities, it had become a tool for continued advantage. Another youth countered this, pointing out that those who have benefited from reservation for centuries are now suddenly opposed to its continuation.

Other young people acknowledged both the benefits and drawbacks of increased reservation. While recognizing the continued need for reservation to support educationally and economically disadvantaged SC/ST communities, they stressed the need for a system based on economic criteria rather than caste, to prevent its misuse by those no longer in need. Concerns were raised that an 85% quota would disadvantage meritorious students from general categories, rewarding lower marks over higher ones. The fear of a severely limited pool of unreserved seats (only 15%) for the general population further fueled opposition to the proposal.

In conclusion, while Tejashwi Yadav’s proposal has generated significant debate, the youth of Patna appear largely against the 85% quota, advocating instead for a reservation system based on economic need to ensure a more equitable and just outcome.

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