Quota Bill in monsoon session, Moily report may come earlier

As decided by the UPA-Left coordination committee on May 22, the Centre is “committed” to introducing the 27 per cent OBC quota bill in the monsoon session of Parliament, CPI secretary D Raja said today after a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

As decided by the UPA-Left coordination committee on May 22, the Centre is “committed” to introducing the 27 per cent OBC quota bill in the monsoon session of Parliament, CPI secretary D Raja said today after a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

In a note to the Prime Minister he handed over during the meeting, Raja had written: “Certain quarters are trying to create confusion that a draft bill can be placed in Parliament only after the report of oversight committee. There is no relation between the two. The recommendations of the oversight committee will come into play after a law is in place.”

Raja’s note to the PM also raised the issue of reservation in schools. Saying that the HRD’s draft bill takes care of “higher education only,” Raja told the PM that “the government needs to create a model law and circulate the same to states to ensure admissions in schools, both private and public, for children from disadvantaged sections.”

Story continues below this ad

Meanwhile, Union HRD Minister Arjun Singh, after talking to Moily earlier in the day, called on the PM this evening to brief him on the progress on the quota Bill. Moily has reportedly assured the HRD minister that the oversight committee will submit its report by July 15, before the monsoon session begins on July 24.

Officials of the HRD ministry described as “inconsequential” the reported objections of Social Justice Minister Meira Kumar about the hasty drafting of the bill. “Individual ministries can oppose, support or comment on the draft. The decision is to be taken by the Cabinet,” an official said.

H-1B $100,000 entry fee explained: Who pays, who’s exempt, and what’s still unclear?

Explained3 hr ago

The White House's decision to impose a $100,000 entry fee on H-1B visa holders has sparked worry among Indian tech workers and students. While uncertainties remain about its implementation and exemptions, major tech companies have cautioned employees against traveling. The policy could lead to a shift towards other visa categories and potentially change the STEM immigration pipeline.

View all shorts

Live Blog