Merit need not be swamped while filling vacancies through a quota system.

Answer: Option B

Swamped : overwhelm.
Considered : having been thought about carefully.
Raised : elevated to a higher position or level.
Remembered ; have in or be able to bring to one's mind an awareness of (someone or something from the past).
Heeded : pay attention to; take notice of.

Antonym of Swamped is Raised