Date:09/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/09/stories/2006120903291300.htm

National

Bill to benefit thousands: OBC forum

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Terming as "historic" the decision of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government to introduce the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Bill, the Parliamentary Forum of Other Backward Classes MPs said the move would benefit thousands of OBC students across the country.

"The decision to introduce the Bill during the current session of Parliament benefiting all OBCs is a historic decision that will benefit thousands of OBC students across the country aspiring to enter into higher institutions of excellence like IITs, IIMs, AIIMS and other Central Universities," Forum Convenor V. Hanumantha Rao said in a statement.

Thanking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Ganhi and leaders of allied parties M. Karunanidhi and S. Ramadoss on behalf of the Forum for their support, Mr. Rao said OBCs constitute over 50 per cent of the country's population.

They do not have access to schools of excellence run by the Central Government despite the fact that the first amendment under Article 15 (4) enables the Government to provide reservation in education.