The Hindu : National : OBC quota should continue: V.P. Singh

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 30, 2007
ePaper


<![if lt IE 4]> <script src="http://servedbyadbutler.com/adserve/;ID=150167;size=468x60;setID=96691;type=js" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript> <a href="http://servedbyadbutler.com/go2/;ID=150167;size=468x60;setID=96691"> <img src="http://servedbyadbutler.com/adserve.ibs/;ID=150167;size=468x60;setID=96691;type=img" border="0" height="60" width="468" alt=""></a> </noscript><![endif]>

National

National

OBC quota should continue: V.P. Singh

Special Correspondent

Says reservation is an issue concerning democracy

V.P. Singh

LUCKNOW: The former Prime Minister, V.P. Singh, on Thursday said the 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) should continue till the next census in 2011. At a press conference here, the Jan Morcha leader said the Supreme Court verdict of Thursday had created a peculiar situation, which is likely to spawn protests.

A clash should be avoided and the Backward Classes should not be denied their rights. At the same time, reservation should be given to the poor among the upper castes, he said.

It was during his tenure the Mandal Commission's recommendations were implemented.

Mr. Singh pointed out that the move to give 27 per cent reservation for OBCs followed a unanimous resolution passed by Parliament, which was later approved by the Supreme Court. The 1931 caste census was accepted as the basis for fixing the quota.

"People's will"

Reservation was an issue concerning democracy and the unanimous decision of Parliament reflected the will of the people. Hence, the "people's will should be respected." Parliament and the Supreme Court were one on the issue, he said.

He dismissed the observation that vote-bank (politics) had governed the move.

Our stand clear: Kalyan

BJP vice-president Kalyan Singh told presspersons that his party's position on the issue, first spelt out in 1985, was clear.

The UPA Government was responsible for the stay, as it had presented its case without doing proper homework, he said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National