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Rediff.com  » News » Caste-based quota is not the answer: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Caste-based quota is not the answer: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

By A Correspondent in Mumbai
May 29, 2006 12:47 IST
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Art of Living Foundation head Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Sunday said caste-based reservations will not end disparities in the society.

The government is planning to reserve 27 per cent of seats in central educational institutions for the Other Backward Classes.

Expressing concern over the anti-reservation agitations raging across the country, Ravi Shankar said there should not be discrimination against anyone for being born in a particular caste.

"While being born in a particular caste should not be a curse, reverse discrimination is not the way for justice," Ravi Shankar said in a statement from Durban in South Africa.

Advocating economic support for the downtrodden, the spiritual leader said empowerment of all castes and communities was essential as there were poor people in every community.

"We need measures to unite the country and remove inequality at all levels. Reservation on the basis of caste will not only divide the country, but also hurt the self-esteem of our people," he said.

Complete Coverage: The Reservation Ruckus

 

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A Correspondent in Mumbai