Date:12/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/12/stories/2008041259001200.htm

National

Quota applies to IITs, IIMs also: Arjun Singh

NEW DELHI: Union Human Resource Minister Arjun Singh said on Friday that the 27 per cent quota for the Other Backward Classes would be implemented in IITs and IIMs also.

“As per the court order, the OBC reservation will be offered in all the institutes, including IIMs and IITs,” said Mr. Singh, who met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after the Supreme Court judgment.

There was no confusion about implementation of the OBC quota in various institutes of higher learning, he told reporters.

To a query about Dr. Singh’s reaction on the issue, he said, “The Prime Minister has not said anything specific about the judgment because he has not read it yet. He is waiting for a copy of the judgment.”

About the proposed percentage of quota in private and unaided institutions, he said a separate bill was drafted to look into the issue. — PTI