Affirmative (F)Action

The topic of student's outrage sweeping the nation is related to forcing more people to chase fewer opportunities, just like my attempts to get into the local train to get to work. One of the toughest lessons that I try to learn is to never let myself be led by the 'scarcity theory' - that all things that are good must therefore be limited and scarce.

In relation to this, some random suggestions crossed my mind today:
1) All should benefit from education - unilaterally. The only way to ensure no discrimination is to start making syllabi, notes, textbooks available online and in bookshops, quite similar to the MIT approach.

2) Create and sponsor multiple programs in partnerships with various universities, schools etc. at multiple levels, leaving the core program intact.

3) Offer more reservations, not less, and do not limit to merely caste but also expand to accomodate gender, age, economic status etc. Offer tailor-made programs for people of varying abilities.

4) Publish criteria for selection for each program - don't make it a mystery. Ensure that both candidates and recruiters have this information alike. Leave them to make their decisions.

5) Elongate the program to have special courses for special students based on progressive performances

6) To avoid interference, rely on corporate aid to the extent possible, and seek appraisals from international authorities on the quality of education.

7) Accept the fact that affirmative action is likely to stay for several years, despite the fact that it is a myth and is proven to fail elsewhere. Partner with one and all, to grow in size and reduce a problem's relative size.