The West Bengal Higher Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Bill and The Presidency University (Amendment) Bill, both moved by Education minister Bratya Basu were passed in the state Assembly on Thursday.
The West Bengal Higher Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Bill 2013 envisaged reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs in higher education.
According to the bill, 22 per cent, six per cent, ten per cent and seven per cent of the seats would be reserved for STs, SCs, OBC (category A) and OBC (category B) respectively in colleges and universities, totalling 45 per cent of the total permitted strength, which would not exceed 50 per cent.
For this purpose, 4.15 lakh new seats would have to be created in under-graduate courses, 31,000 seats for PG courses, according to the bill.
A financial liability of Rs 1,070 crore would be borne by the state government and the bill would come into effect from the academic session 2014-15. The Presidency University (Amendment) Bill 2013 provided for creation of a mentor group of prominent persons which would suggests measures to make the university as a centre for academic excellence. The bill is an amendment to the Presidency University Act of 2010.
