Indian system - social, political and economical, has been in such a shape for centuries that large sections of people are still living below the so-called BPL. What is the way out? How can these marginalised people be brought up, to a level where they can be competitive with the rest, on a level-playing field? Without such a condition, democracy cannot be effective. Powerful people will be able to exploit the weaker sections, politically, socially and economically. As a welfare State, Indian Government has a responsibility to make continuous and every efforts to bridge the gap, and bring the people at the bottom of the pyramid to a level-playing field. The SC is right in excluding the 'creamy layer'. It is not enough. The Governmment should evolve a plan to completely phase-out reservations in a definite time-frame. In no circumstances can we allow a situation where, each year, some political party or the other demand MORE and MORE castes and sub-castes to be brought under reservation. Are we supposed to go forward or BACKWARD? Joseph Purathur
