Prime Minister Manmohan Singh prevailed today clearing the Bill to introduce 27% OBC quotas but only in aided institutions — including IITs, IIMs and AIIMS — as of now and staggering its implementation over a maximum of three years. For the first time, SC/ST reservations will also get statutory recognition. At the Cabinet meeting today, Singh carried the day in the face of opposition from southern allies DMK and PMK — they wanted the 27% in one go in aided and unaided institutions — supported by his colleagues Lalu Prasad Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan and key Congress ministers.Both Lalu and Paswan argued that the Bill reflected the government’s commitment but a “practical” approach, in tune with the Veerappa Moily upgrade plan, was the best one to adopt to avoid dilution of standards. In this, they were supported by Science &Technology Minister Kapil Sibal and Overseas Affairs Minister Vyalar Ravi. IIMs, IITs and medical colleges had cited immense physical, financial and academic constraints in the implementation of the OBC quotas in one go. “We have been assured that the staggering will be done only when necessary,” a senior DMK Minister told The Indian Express after the two-hour meeting. That the PM put his foot down was evident when yesterday, both Bills, for quotas in aided and unaided institutions went to the Cabinet Secretariat. But only one found its way onto today’s Cabinet agenda. The Bill on unaided institutions has been sent back to the HRD Ministry pending action.At the meeting, HRD Minister Arjun Singh, considered the prime mover behind the legislation, reportedly said that this wasn’t a “personal agenda” and would socially benefit the weaker sections, and politically, therefore, the UPA alliance.Information and Broadcasting minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi said the government would fulfill its commitment and bring the Bill before the House in the ongoing monsoon session itself. However, the Bill is expected to head for the Parliamentary Standing committee for further discussion after it is introduced.The Bill also doesn’t have any provision on the creamy layer. Even though Finance minister P Chidambaram and Kapil Sibal did make oblique references on the issue, nobody supported or discussed it. DMK, PMK won over by Lalu, Paswan• DMK and PMK wanted quotas in one go• Lalu and Paswan didn’t object to staggering• PM’s line of staggering carried the day• Arjun wanted quotas for aided and unaided, so did DMK, PMK• PM kept unaided pending• No mention of creamy layer: since no party would back it• Paswan for hiking SC/ST from 22.5 to 25
