Birth versus merit. (how India and Malaysia have introduced legislation establishing hiring quotas for underrepresented classes) From: Canada and the World Backgrounder | Date: April 1, 1996 | COPYRIGHT 1996 Canada & the World. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Mahatma Gandhi struggled to reform the caste system in India renaming untouchables harijans--beloved of God. His work led to a provision in the Indian Constitution reserving 23% of government jobs and university places for untouchables and tribals, and allowing state governments to reserve further places for "backward" castes--those who were judged to be doing badly. But opponents say promoting people according to birth rather than merit makes the system work poorly. Others say it ...