Communal representation is the
accredited right of every nation and its government. It is the common right of
all citizens belonging to every community. The main motive of the principle of
communal representation is to eradicate the unequal status amongst the
citizens. Communal representation is a ‘boon’ to create a society of equals.
When there are communities which are forward and progressive; hampering the
well-being of all the other communities; there is no other go but to resort to
the system of communal representation. It is by this way the suffering
communities could begin to heave a sigh of relief. The need for the
prolongation of the system of communal representation will automatically cease
and it will be found absolutely unnecessary to continue the policy any longer
when all the communities are made as equals.
Excepting the Bráhmin community,
all other communities started to demand communal representation soon after the
talk of representation of Indians in governance began. For a long time, except
the Brahmin community, all other communities carried on agitation urging the
government to implement the policy of communal representation.
The Brahmins, particularly the
Brahmins of Tamil Nadu stooped to many ways to put hurdles and create obstacles
against the implementation of the policy of communal representation. They
pursued trickish methods and conspired many times against the communal
representation policy which was a boon to all downtrodden communities.
One could understand the Brahmins
opposing the communal representation policy if at all they had openly come
forward to list out the evils of uplifting the downtrodden people. All those
who oppose simply said ‘no’, and no one explained why? So far no one has
clearly listed out the reasons for opposing the policy of reservation. What is
wrong in making all people as equals? What is wrong in giving equal
opportunities for all? If there is nothing wrong in creating a socialist
society, and if it is undeniable that the present society composed of unequal
should be made progressive; what else can be done without creating reservations
based on the population through the communal representation policy. Could it be
denied that there are weaker section in the society?
Moreover, when we have allowed
the classification of the society based on religion, caste and community; we
cannot stand in the way of the people demanding special rights, based on
religion, caste, and community. There is nothing wrong on their part or of any
community in safeguarding their interests. I don’t see anything dishonest in
that.
The casteism made the people go
backward. Castes spell more and more ruination. Castes have made us low and
have-nots. Till all these evils are eradicated and everyone attains an equal
status in life, the proportional representation policy based ‘on population is
indispensable. Many communities have entered the field of education only
recently. All should be enabled to read and attain a civilised stage. Our
people should take to education and read well. Our people should get their due
share in the public services and in all other fields according to their
percentage of the total population.
In this country out of 100
people, only three are Brahmins. Sixteen percent of the population are
Adi-dravidas. 72 percent of the population are non-brahmins. Should not the
jobs be given to all in proportion to the population?
(Source: Collected Works of
Periyar E.V.R. Pg. 165-166)
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