Date:13/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/13/stories/2006121305261200.htm

National

OBC quota Bill likely on Thursday

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Central Educational Institutions (Reservations in Admission) Bill, 2006, is expected to be moved in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said the Business Advisory Committee had agreed to take up the Bill.

The landmark legislation will extend reservation in Central educational institutions for the Other Backward Classes in a phased manner. All OBCs, including those belonging to the "creamy layer," will qualify for reservation. However, keeping in mind the 93rd Constitutional Amendment, minority institutions will be kept out of the purview of the Bill.

The Bill to give rights to tribals and forest dwellers is the other important legislation that the Government hopes to get through the Lok Sabha this week.

Mr. Dasmunsi hoped that the Child Protection Act and the Child Marriage Prevention Bill would also be passed this week.