Reservation in Jobs or Education: A Boon or a Bane?

“Reservation in Jobs or Education: A Boon or a Bane?”

Date: 13th Feb 2026

Venue: II MA English 

Moderator: Dr Samuel Rufus

Team Leaders:Nikita (Boon) & Zibiah (Bane)

Photographer : Vasupratha 

Time Keeper: Terese

Toss Conducted By:Vasupratha

 Opening

The debate began with Vasupratha tossing the coin. Zibiah’s team won the toss and chose Nikita’s team to initiate the debate. The topic discussed was “Reservation in Jobs or Education: A Boon or a Bane?”

Nikita’s team spoke in favor of reservation as a boon, while Zibiah’s team argued that it is a bane.

Milind opened the debate by supporting reservation in jobs. He emphasized that in a country where social hierarchy and inequality have historically existed, reservation becomes necessary to provide equal opportunities. He stated that when a nation has failed to ensure equality socially, reservation acts as a corrective mechanism.

He also highlighted statistical data and factual evidence to stress the importance of giving minorities a voice and ensuring equality for all.

Zibiah countered Milind’s argument with a thought-provoking question: Why are we always complaining about hierarchies? Why can’t individuals rise purely based on their talent?

She argued that focusing repeatedly on historical hierarchies may undermine the value of merit and individual capability.

Lara responded by asserting that reservation empowers minorities and ensures their visibility in society. She stated:

 “Without reservation, there is no representation; without representation, there is no power.”

She emphasized that reservation is necessary to bring marginalized communities into positions of influence and decision-making.

Milind reinforced his earlier stand by again referring to statistics and factual realities. He stressed that representation is essential for equality and that reservation helps amplify the voices of minorities who have historically been suppressed.

Anagha argued that reservation primarily considers caste rather than other socio-economic factors. She shared a personal incident to illustrate her point and stated that reservation sometimes makes beneficiaries complacent because of preferential treatment.

She also highlighted that deserving candidates from non-reserved categories suffer due to quota allocations.

Lara countered by drawing attention to the long-lasting impact of colonial oppression and systemic discrimination. She argued that historical injustices still affect present generations. She further stated that most individuals in reserved categories work harder to overcome societal barriers.

Alphy responded by asserting that if people are truly working harder, then hard work alone should determine success. He emphasized that opportunities should be given purely based on merit and effort.

Nikita shared a personal incident where individuals were rejected solely because of their caste identity. She highlighted that discrimination still exists in society, making reservation necessary as a protective and corrective measure.

Milind added another significant point, stating that social hierarchy and its impacts continue to exist even today. He questioned how society could ignore these realities and dismiss the need for reservation.

Aleena countered by pointing out that individuals from the general category also face numerous struggles. She emphasized that hardship is not limited to any one community.

Lara emphasized that while equality is the ultimate goal, society has not yet reached a stage of equal privilege. She argued that reservation is required to bridge that gap and move towards true equality.

Pooja argued that legally and constitutionally, everyone is equal in the present day. She stated that not every individual from the general category is privileged and that assumptions of uniform advantage are inaccurate.

Lindsay added that it is unrealistic to claim that everyone is equal. She highlighted the existence of intergenerational trauma and the continued influence of caste-based politics, reinforcing the argument that structural inequalities persist.

Lara concluded her team’s stance by stating that something is fundamentally wrong within society, and reservation remains a necessary tool to correct systemic imbalance.

As the debate intensified and both teams passionately defended their positions, the allotted time came to an end.

Rufus Sir concluded the session by appreciating both teams for their powerful arguments and confident delivery. He acknowledged each speaker’s contribution and commended the team leaders, Nikita and Zibiah, for effectively guiding their teams.

 Closing Note

The debate unfolded in a structured and engaging manner, with arguments and counterarguments presented thoughtfully in sequence. The session successfully highlighted the complexity of the issue, encouraging critical thinking and respectful dialogue among all participants.