(a) the steps taken by the Government to ensure the educational advancement of smaller
minorities like Anglo-Indians;
(b) whether the Government has proposed to give 4.5 per cent reservation to minorities
in educational institutions; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to take a decision
in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(DR. SHASHI THAROOR)
(a): The Ministry of Human Resource Development is implementing various education schemes
to ensure the educational advancement of smaller minorities including the Anglo-Indians
within the Christian community. A total of 15% of the outlay under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
is targeted for the Minority Concentration Districts (MCD)/Areas to achieve the goal of
universalisation of elementary education, to meet infrastructure gaps for schools, classrooms,
teachers and providing access by opening new schools. Other important steps for the benefit
of minorities include the Scheme of Infrastructure Development in Minority Institutions
(IDMI), the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme (JNV), setting up of Girls Hostels, Model
Schools under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), the Mid-Day-Meal Scheme, Jan
Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), establishment of the Model Degree Colleges, Women Hostels and
Polytechnics in the Minority Concentration Districts.
For the educational empowerment of students belonging to the notified minority communities
including the Anglo-Indians within the Christian community, the Ministry of Minority Affairs
awards scholarships for pursuing regular classes in schools/colleges.
(b) & (c): The Ministry of Human Resource Development vide Resolution and Office Memorandum
dated 22.11.2011 had issued instructions that reservation in admissions in the Central
Educational Institutions for the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) to an
extent of 27% would be subject to a sub-quota of 4.5% for minorities belonging to SEBCs. The
said Resolution and Office Memorandum dated 22.11.2011 were challenged before the Hon’ble
Andhra Pradesh High Court in the matter of R.Krishnaiah versus Government of India and
Others (PIL No.1/2012). The Hon’ble Court in its judgement dated 28.5.2012 set aside the
Resolution and Office Memorandum dated 22.11.2011. The Central Government has filed an SLP
before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India challenging the order of the Hon’ble Andhra Pradesh
High Court. The matter is sub-judice.