K'taka govt for 75:25 seat-sharing formula

Tables resolution to solve cet admissions row

In a first step to solve the ongoing crisis in the CET (Common Entrance Test) admissions, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly has tabled a resolution opting for a 75:25 seat-sharing formula between the government and the managements.

"The state government shall regulate by law, if necessary by a special legislation, the sharing of seats as between the government and management in the ratio of 75:25 respectively as a one-time stipulation for selection of students to medical, dental and engineering course in the state for the academic year 2004-05," chief minister Dharam Singh said in a statement.

However, those college managements that are yet to agree to this formula continue to stand opposed to the state's demand for a 75:25 ratio.

The managements have opted for a 50:50 ratio and their gained had momentum after the Supreme Court ordered both parties to go for a 50:50 ratio in a landmark verdict on July 15.

Essentially, with yesterday's statement, the government of Karnataka has sought for legal protection for its case to be included in the IX Schedule of the Constitution.

Following the Supreme Court's verdict on a 50:50 seat-sharing formula between the managements and the government, the Consortium of Medical, Dental and Engineering Colleges (Comed), has already reiterated its stand that it would not go for anything less.

Nearly 65 per cent of the engineering colleges in the state and almost all the dental colleges have agreed to abide by the government's 75:25 formula.

Prior to yesterday's announcement, the state had made serious efforts to request Comed to go back to the 75:25 seat-sharing formula between the government and the managements. These meetings, however, have remained inconclusive.