ISLAMABAD: Quota system for admission to public sector educational institutes was introduced to create opportunities for students from rural areas or other left behind groups to catch up with the rest. However some have accused that quota system is misused by the more influential people of Pakistani society, while others are still supportive of it.

To find out how the public feels about such kind of quota system in educational institutions, a Gilani Research Foundation survey was carried out by Gallup Pakistan. According to this survey more than half of all Pakistanis (54%) believe that merit should be the only criteria for entry in all types of educational institutes and all reserved seats should be abolished as it deprives well-deserving, but perhaps from poor or less influential families. Twenty four percent (24%) are in the favor of such quota system where as 22% are unsure.

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked “Some people believe that quota system in educational institutions should be abolished as it deprives intelligent students of good education. Whereas others think that quota system is justified and correct. In your opinion should there be a quota system?” majority (54%) claimed it is improper and hence should be abolished where as 24% of the respondents favour such quota system in educational institutes. Twenty two percent (22%) were unsure.

The data reveals that in the country as a whole, a proportionately higher percentage of urbanites (29%) as compared to the ruralites (21%) are in the favour of quota system. However rural Sindh is an exception where a comparatively higher percentage of respondents (36%) believe the quota system is justified and should be implemented in educational institutions.

“Some people believe that quota system in educational institutions should be abolished as it deprives intelligent students of good education. Whereas others think that quota system is justified and correct. In your opinion should there be a quota system?”

The study was released by Gilani foundation and carried out by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International. The latest survey was carried out among a sample of 2577 men and women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during July 2009. Error margin is estimated to be approximately + 2-3 per cent at 95% confidence level. NNI

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