The Japan Times Online - Better schools trump caste preferences

The Japan Times Online - Better schools trump caste preferences

Better schools trump caste preferences

By ARINDAM CHAUDHURI

BOMBAY -- The United States has long been divided over what it calls "affirmative action," a system of racial preferences intended to overcome the lingering consequences of slavery and discrimination against black Americans. India is now becoming divided in much the same way, and for much the same reason -- the emerging system of "reserved places" aimed at redressing centuries of caste discrimination.

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Arindam Chaudhuri is honorary dean at the Indian Institute of Planning and Management and editor in chief of Business & Economy Magazine. His most recent books are "Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch" and "The Great Indian Dream."
Copyright 2006 Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org)
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