More news from the neo-liberal paradise that used to go by the name "India":
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5014944.stm
> Doctors and medical students have called for a
> general strike in India in protest against a controversial
> affirmative action plan.
>
> Shops in the Indian capital Delhi have shut down in support of the
> protest.
>
> The Indian government plans to reserve half of state-funded
> professional college places for lower caste students from next year.
>
> But the move has sparked an outcry, with critics saying it will lead
> to a drop in college standards.
>
> The protest by doctors and students has lasted two weeks and has
> disrupted services in many hospitals in Delhi and some other cities.
>
> On Tuesday, the government announced it would go ahead with the plan
> despite the protests and would introduce a bill in the next session
> of parliament.
>
> The call for a general strike is in response to the announcement with
> the medical students and staff asking traders, resident associations
> and other professional groups to join them.
>
> "This is an attempt to widen our agitation. We are seeking the
> support of the all sections of the society," Safal, a protesting
> medical student told the Press Trust of India.
>
> Caste 'quota'
>
> At present, 22.5% of college places are "reserved" for Dalits, or
> untouchables, who are at the bottom of India's caste hierarchy, and
> tribal students.
>
> Under the new plan, 27% of places will also be set aside for lower
> caste Hindus known as other backward castes (OBCs) and other socially
> disadvantaged groups.
>
> The plan has the support of millions of low-caste Indians who make up
> more than 50% of the country.
>
> Despite laws banning discrimination, India's lower castes remain at
> the bottom of society and are poorly represented in major
> professions.
Reminds me of a Pink Floyd song that goes: Fuck all that, we've got to get on with these.
--ravi
-- Support something better than yourself: ;-) PeTA: http://www.peta.org/ GreenPeace: http://www.greenpeace.org/