APROPOS the article ‘Outside the box’ (July 25). The writer has — correctly — indicated that first we have to think within the box before moving to outside the box. The subject of the quota system has been lying inside the box for 40plus years.

Going back to history, the quota system was re-invented ‘democratically’ with some innovation in 1973 and given constitutional protection for 25 years. The innovation provided a clear divide between rural and urban Sindh.

The justification, albeit, lacked honesty and credibility, since other provinces were not divided into rural and urban areas. The quota system provided a blockade to merit and eroded the roots of competition and fairness. The evil design behind the quota system in general and a rural-urban divide in particular have produced inefficient and corrupt government workplaces. It has created deep polarisation in rural and urban population.

Instead of abolishing this black law, the quota system was again ‘democratically’ extended for another 25 years in 1998. It has now been in practice for almost 47 years and produced awful results, especially in Sindh. It has encouraged government employees devoid of merit and competitiveness. Consequently, corruption, inefficiency and lack of excellence/quality in work can be seen in all federal and provincial departments.

The quota menace did not help in making youngsters hard working and competitive; rather it only provided them with opportunities in government workplaces without competition. This menace has helped the corrupt politicians to exploit it in order to secure their seats in the provincial and/or national assemblies.

The quota system has intensified ethnicity among the various communities of the country, and turned away capable youngsters — mostly belonging to urban centers — from government organisations.

It will take time to bring back the merit system and real harmony. The need is to completely abolish this menace and promote open merit and provide equal opportunities to all.

Shehzad Ahmed

Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2020