Centre gives green light to IIM lists

The impasse over admissions to centrally administered institutions of higher education ended today with the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) telling them to go ahead according to the last year's quotas.

However, HRD Minister Arjun Singh hinted that after the Supreme Court reviewed the issue of representation of Other Backward Classes in these institutions, a stronger law could be put in place if the court's decision went against the implementation of the OBC quota.

"Though it is not being considered now, there are possibilities of every option," he said when asked if Parliament could be approached for another Bill to put reservations outside the Supreme Court's purview.

"As of now, the government has not taken any decision, but we are considering some options. Let the court decide first," he said.

After discussions with the prime minister, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs and UPA allies, the ministry had yesterday decided to go ahead with admissions in two phases.

Stating that the UPA allies and the Left agreed on the formula that enabled admissions in line with the last year's intake, Singh said, "The extended seats for the OBCs will be decided after May 8 when the Supreme Court takes its decision on the stay."

This has been made clear in the directive sent to the institutions. "It is further clarified that no offer of admissions shall be made until further communication, in respect of seats that are proposed to be expanded during the ensuing academic session," the directive said.

The minister reiterated his government's stand on the OBC issue. "The order notwithstanding, the commitment of our government towards OBCs is irrevocable and we will explore every constitutional and legal procedure to ensure OBC reservation," Singh said at a press conference.