The correct answer is: A. considered.
Merit means “the quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward.” A quota system is a system in which a certain number of positions are reserved for people from a particular group, such as women or people of a certain race.
When filling vacancies through a quota system, it is important to consider merit. This means that the people who are selected for the positions should be the ones who are most qualified, regardless of their race, gender, or any other factor.
The other options are incorrect because they do not mean the same thing as “considered.” Option B, “raised,” means “to make something higher or greater.” Option C, “remembered,” means “to keep something in one’s mind.” Option D, “heeded,” means “to pay attention to something.”
In conclusion, the correct answer to the question “Merit need not be swamped while filling vacancies through a quota system. A. considered B. raised C. remembered D. heeded” is A. considered.