New Delhi: Union Human Resources Development Minister Arjun Singh remains hopeful of introducing the OBC quota soon as part of the UPA Government's policy of affirmative action.
He says the Supreme Court's refusal to vacate its stay on the implementation of 27 per cent OBC quota was not a setback for his government.
In fact, the main architect of the quota Bill now says his ministry is ready with a new Bill for OBC quota in unaided institutions.
Reacting to the decision of the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, which on Wednesday rejected the Centre's plea for the vacation of its stay on the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admissions) Act 2006, Singh said he would not say that the SC order was a setback for him as the court has not rejected it.
"At every stage, we were eager to get the matter resolved. Now, we will see what can be done," he told reporters when asked to react to the Apex Court decision.
To a question on whether the Centre would make a fresh plea for the early resolution of the matter in the court, Singh said: "Why should we anticipate that it will take that long? I don't think it will take that long. I am quite sure there may be a judgement."
Singh says there was no change in his stand on the policy of providing 27 per cent quota for OBCs in Central Government Institutions.
"Now, the OBC quota Bill for unaided institutions is ready with the government," he said.
Asked if the OBC students would be disappointed with the court decision, Singh said: "Obviously, we don't think they will celebrate. The delay was not on our part. The Ministry is trying to do what is correct."
Singh said the government would abide by the court order. "There is no question of any contrary view of what the court has said. We will abide by the court's verdict," he said.
Asked whether the programme to expand the infrastructure in the institutions of higher learning would go ahead, he said the government would have to examine the issue.
Replying to another question on the fate of OBC students who have already secured admission this year in some institutions, he said it was entirely for the institutions to decide as "those who have been admitted have been admitted."
(With agency inputs)
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