Author: SNS and PTI
Publication: The Statesman
Date: January 7, 2006
The Cabinet today approved the promulgation
of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (Amendment)
Ordinance, 2006 and its replacement by an Act in the Budget session of Parliament.
The Ordinance and later, the relevant legislation,
would grant exemption only to eligible minority educational institutions from
reservations for SC/ST/OBCs with regard to students seeking admission.
The decision comes a day after Allahabad High
Court struck down the Centre's decision to classify AMU as a minority institution
and two days after the Supreme Court enforced a High Court order.
Parliament passed the Constitution (93rd Amendment)
Bill 2005 during the winter session, exempting the minority institutions from
the purview of reservation. In order to exempt eligible minority educational
institutions, it had become necessary to empower the NEMEI by dint of the
Ordinance.
It would also enable the NEMEI to proceed
against those institutions misusing their minority status.
The government also approved certain minor
modifications of and additions to its earlier decisions relating to strengthening
and developing agricultural education. Besides, the National Talent Scholarship
amount will be increased to Rs 1,000 a month for each under-graduate student
and will be provided to these institutions for excellence in niche areas.
