is discrimination ironical?

Some of you might be aware about the turmoil that the Indian education system is going through at present. If you don't here's a brief description about what's happening.

The Indian government wants to introduce a 50% reservation in all colleges for the lower castes. Caste system is the basis through which millions of Hindus were denied educational opportunities and were left to do menial jobs. So to help them in the future, the government has righteously declared of providing them the opportunities, no questions asked as long as you have the right surname.

But does it make sense?

Indian government fervently denies the existence of the caste system in the country in the 21st century. It says that all the people in the country are equal and hence should not be differentiated under any circumstances. But then, isn't the introduction of this new law discrimination?

I understand that 'what were then lower castes' need help or alleviation (a word used commonly by the government) but then shouldn't this be on economical basis rather than according to your surname? Opportunities in the present world are according to the amount of money a person has and that cannot be denied. I would understand if the poor students get a chance to further their education through scholarships and such other options. This step by the government does not make too much sense to me. Finally it is going to be the 'rich lower castes', with enough money to access all facilities, which will end up taking all the reserved seats. This is going to lead to a lower grade of system where the brightest students are not given a chance to shine.

There is a huge exodus of bright (and rich) students from India and the reason is the narrow minded laws made by the people in charge. A country with so much potential is being blocked by squinted leaders. We need another great leader, one with vision as Gandhi?


(OBC- other backward castes)