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Friday, Feb 18, 2005

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Commission for EBCs to continue

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, FEB. 17. The Union Cabinet today approved the continuation of the Commission for the Economically Backward Classes (EBCs).

The Commission will recommend welfare measures and the quantum of reservation in education and government employment in consultation with the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities (NCRLM) and suggest the criteria for identifying the economically backward classes.

It will also suggest the necessary constitutional, legal and administrative modalities for implementation of the recommendations.

"Seek States' views"

The Cabinet asked it to submit the recommendations within six months of the appointment of its chairman. It approved the estimated expenditure of the panel over the six-month period at Rs. 1.07 crores, an official spokesperson said.

While approving the continuation of the panel for the EBCs not covered under the existing reservation policy beyond January 2005, the Cabinet asked the Commission to elicit the views of the State Governments and Union Territories on the matter and suggest the criteria for identifying the EBCs.

Creation of the post of chairperson, a member and a member secretary, besides supporting staff, their accommodation and the stationing of the headquarters in Delhi was also approved.

The Commission was formed by the National Democratic Alliance Government and its Chairperson, B.P. Singh, and a member, D.V. Subba Rao, resigned after the UPA Government took charge. It had issued advertisements calling for public opinion on the issue and some States appointed nodal officers on the issue of reservation for EBCs.

In the meantime, the NCRLM was set up, causing some overlap in the terms of reference of the two Commissions, prompting the Government to provide for consultation on the part of the Commission for EBCs with the NCRLM.

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