My cousin, a bright and diligent student from the general caste, faced a disheartening experience in the JEE 2025 exams. Despite securing an impressive rank of 3400, he found himself at a disadvantage compared to a friend who belonged to a scheduled caste and obtained a rank around 6000. Due to the current reservation policies, his friend was admitted to a more prestigious branch of study, while my cousin was left with fewer options, altering his educational and professional trajectory.

The purpose of reservation policies was to build an equitable society by uplifting those historically marginalized. However, it has frequently created reverse discrimination, causing an imbalance that affects the potential and opportunities available to general category candidates. The quota system in its current form serves as a barrier to meritocracy, thwarting the dreams of many promising students and professionals who are judged not by their capabilities but by their caste.

Statistics show the adverse impacts of caste-based reservations. According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), the percentage of seats occupied by reserved categories in premier institutes has increased substantially over the last decades, often surpassing the intended support for genuinely underprivileged individuals. Instead of eliminating inequality, these reservations have perpetuated a different form of unfairness, sidelining countless deserving candidates solely based on their caste.

We urgently need a constitutional amendment to reform this outdated reservation system. Instead of caste-based preferences, consideration should be based on socio-economic status or true financial need to assist those who genuinely require support without compromising on merit. This can be done by introducing a more holistic admission and employment evaluation system that factors in financial hardship, geographic location, and other socio-economic indicators.

The future of our country depends on leveraging the brightest minds, ensuring that every individual's potential is harnessed for the greater good. If these reforms are implemented, we can build a nation where equality of opportunity is based on merit, providing an environment where every Indian can succeed on a level playing field.

I urge you to consider the future of deserving scholars and professionals who are trapped in the confines of a policy that has served its time. Sign this petition to call for a constitutional amendment that ensures fairness, justice, and equality for all, without bias. Together, we can champion true equality and meritocracy in our society.