Go slow on OBC Bill, says Oversight Committee

The panel hinted to HRD Ministry to postpone for the time being finalisation of the draft bill on 27% quota.

Announcing it would firm up its interim report by July 10, the Oversight Committee, set up to prepare a roadmap for implementing OBC quota in educational institutions, on Thursday hinted to HRD Ministry to postpone for the time being finalisation of the draft bill on 27 per cent reservation.

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"We have discussed with the HRD Minister (Arjun Singh) and told him we have not come to a conclusion. If necessary, you may also postpone it," Moily said after the Committee meeting on Thursday.

He said the Committee might also give its inputs after submitting its interim report to enable the government to go ahead with the proposed legislation.

Moily said the Committee was yet to give its opinion to the HRD Ministry.

He said the Committee would finalise its interim by July 10 and then submit to the government.

"Various options are being deliberated with regard to implementation of reservation in institutions of higher learning. One solution and one medicine will not be practicable," he said.

Moily said the five groups going into various aspects have been asked to give their inputs by June 30 to enable the Committee to finalise its interim report by July 10. The Committee is to submit its final report by August 31.

Moily said the intention of submitting an interim report was to enable the government to make advance planning with regard to administrative sanction, faculty requirements and vision which has to be in place by 2007.

Asked about the problems faced by some of the educational institutions, he said there were plenty of problems with regard to faculty, infrastructure and course. But through innovative methods, these barriers could be crossed.