The Hindu : National : Parliament passes Bill on minority institutions

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Saturday, Mar 11, 2006

National

National

Parliament passes Bill on minority institutions

New Delhi: Parliament on Friday passed a Bill, which would enable those wanting to set up minority educational institutions to get early clearance from the States as also affiliation to universities.

Replying to a debate on the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Human Resource Development M.A.A. Fatmi said the States would give a `no-objection certificate' within 90 days of application or notify a reason for refusal.

If no reason was given, it would be construed as grant of the NoC.

In case of refusal, the applicant could approach the Commission, which would take a decision in consultation with the State concerned.

University affiliation

The amended Bill, already passed by the Rajya Sabha, envisages giving minority institutions the right to seek affiliation to any university subject to its rules, ordinances and Acts. Till now they could get affiliated to only six universities.

Speaking on the Bill, K. Swain (BJP) raised the issue of definition of minority and sought to dispel the impression that his party was against Muslims, noting that the previous National Democratic Alliance Government recommended A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for President.— PTI

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