Subject: Urgent Appeal for Reconsideration of the 80:20 Reservation Policy in NORCET
Dear Honorable President of India,
I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. My name is
(Your name) and I am writing to express my deep concerns and seek your esteemed intervention regarding the 80:20 reservation policy implemented by AIIMS for the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET).
The 80:20 ratio rule, which allocates 80% of seats to female candidates and only 20% to male candidates, subdivided further based on caste reservation, raises significant issues of fairness and equality. Since the inception of this policy, AIIMS has conducted six examinations under this framework, resulting in over 12,000 vacancies. However, only approximately 2,000 seats have been allocated to male candidates, and these were neutral seats where both male and female candidates competed based on merit and rank.
This reservation policy has a disproportionate impact on male candidates, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who have invested substantial amounts in their education. For example, as a graduate of I paid ₹75,000 in tuition fees and ₹90,000 in hostel fees annually, totaling around ₹3 lakh per year and approximately ₹10 lakh over the four-year course duration. The significant financial burden, coupled with the current reservation policy, leaves male candidates feeling unfairly treated and financially disadvantaged.
The Supreme Court of India, in its landmark judgment of Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992), emphasized that reservation policies should be reasonable and not exceed 50%. Additionally, in Union of India v. R. Rajeshwaran (2003), the Court upheld a much lower reservation percentage for women, justified by specific circumstances. The 80:20 reservation policy implemented by AIIMS exceeds these guidelines and undermines the principle of meritocracy.
The AIIMS Director's acknowledgment of receiving less skilled nursing staff highlights the adverse effects of this policy. The 80:20 ratio results in less capable and less skilled candidates being selected, which ultimately affects the quality of healthcare services provided. The core issue lies in the reservation policy itself, which needs urgent reconsideration to ensure that merit and skills are the primary criteria for selection.
I have previously written to the Prime Minister and other officials regarding this issue, but due to financial constraints, I am unable to pursue legal recourse in the high court. Therefore, I earnestly seek your support in bringing attention to this matter and advocating for a fairer and more equitable distribution of seats in the NORCET examinations.
Your esteemed intervention can ensure that the principles of equality and fairness are upheld in the recruitment process for nursing officers. It is imperative that all candidates, irrespective of gender, are given an equal opportunity to compete based on their merits.
I humbly request your assistance in this matter, and I am hopeful for a positive response that will bring about a just and equitable resolution.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
(Your name )