Casteism is bad, very bad. Such discriminatory classification of human beings should never exist. Even reservations are not for an ideal society. All sort of reservations should be ended.

Taking forward Rahul Gandhi's statement that he doesn't believe in castes (applause for this proclamation), a blog post on Amit Varma's India Uncut proposes that reservations should be ended because they perpetuate the discriminatory caste system. I don't think the author has given a good thought to the issue else he wouldn't have dared to ask for an abrupt end to the reservation system.

I agree that caste-based reservation perpetuates caste system. So there shouldn't be any reservations on the basis of castes. But this doesn't bring all Indians on a par, nor does it eradicate the deep-rooted caste system in our country.

North, South, East, West, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians--you find a strong caste system (or its variant) everywhere. A report about "honour killing" by kin or caste panchayats appears in the media even before the memories of a similar news report fades. Those belonging to the upper stratas of the caste system take pride in it. If they want to abolish caste-based reservations, why should it not be seen as an attempt to keep the under privileged deprived of higher education and jobs?

Why were reservations introduced in our country? To bring each Indian at par and offer them equal opportunities. Is every Indian getting equal opportunity to study? What are those people going to do who were just lucky enough to study in some resource-starved school, often government-owned. If we bring reservations to an immediate halt, it will only aggravate the problems of our country. Less people from the under-privileged section will be able to improve their lives. This section will have to continue to live a  miserable life. That's a vicious cycle.

If you want to abolish reservations totally, you first need to provide equal opportunities to everyone. Though a utopian plan, the government can start with free boarding schools for every Indian child where they get quality living standard, education and environment.

Should we resign ourselves to live with caste system forever? No. If you look at cities, the caste system is not as big a demon as in rural areas. Economic development might be one of the factors. So why not shift from the vicious caste-based reservation system to that based on economic conditions. This will ensure that those who have to make do with limited resources get some push towards a better life.

Mind it, reservations are just first aid. To cure the disease, we need proper treatment and the root cause of the disease has to be tackled. That boils down to roti, kapda aur makaan. And also, education.

Does any government has the courage to replace caste-based reservation system with that based on economic condition? Anyone. Rahul Gandhi, you?