Question : RESERVATION FOR OBCS IN EDUCATION

(a) the steps taken by the Government to implement 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in various educational institutions;

(b) the details of seats proposed to be increased in Central Universities for the purpose;

(c) the policy guidelines issued by the UGC for State/Deemed University and other educational institutions;

(d) whether certain Institutes of Higher Education have expressed their inability to provide reservation from this year owing to paucity of time and funds;

(e) if so,whether the educational institutes have sought financial assistance for implementing the OBC quota;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) the steps being taken by the Government in regard to providing financial assistance to the institutes for implementing quota?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a)to(c): In accordance with the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Writ Petition Civil No.265 of 2006 and as per the provisions of Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission)Act,2006,the Ministry of Human Resource Development has issued directions vide O.M. No.1-1/2005-U.1 A/847 and a Resolution vide O.M. No.1-1/2005-U.1 A/846 dated 20th April,2008 to implement reservations for the Other Backward Classes(OBCs) in Central Educational Institutions. This Ministry has also conveyed the revised criteria of income based on the recommendations of the National Commission for Backward Classes for determining the creamy layer among OBCs from Rs.2.5 lakhs to Rs.4.5 lakhs per annum for the purpose of admission vide OM No.1-1/2008-U.1 A dated 13th October 2008 and the order of the Apex Court dated 14.10.2008 in the matter of IA No.3 0f 2008 in Writ Petition(Civil) No. 35 of 2007 vide OM No.1-1/2008-(III) UI(A) dated 17.10.2008.It is estimated that about 47,330 seats would be increased in central universities for implementing 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

(d)to(g): Projections for financial assistance received from central educational institutions under the purview of this Ministry have been examined by the Empowered Committee constituted for the purpose.Adequate budgetary provisions exist for implementing the policy of reservation in a staggered manner under the CEI Act,2006.An amount of Rs. 2522.00 crores has been earmarked in the central financial year for capacity expansion of central universities,technical management institutions.