Sonia’s if Writes PM Modi Demanding Reservation For OBC In State Medical Colleges

Interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding reservation for students from other backward classes (OBC) in state medical colleges under the All India Quota of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) – the country’s sole entrance exam for undergraduate medical and dental students. Gandhi said that under the All India Quota, 15%, 7.5% and 10% seats in government colleges are reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and the economically weaker sections of society. However, reservation for OBC candidates is restricted to central institutions.

Gandhi mentioned that data compiled by the All India Federation of Other Backward Classes says that since 2017, OBC candidates lost over 11,000 seats in all India quota due to non-implementation of OBC reservations in-state/UT medical education institutions. The 93rd Constitutional Amendment envisages special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward class or Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in admission to educational institutions, including private institutions, whether aided or unaided by the state, other than the minority educational institutions. She went further to state, “Denial of reservations to OBCs in state medical institutions in all India quota, being administered by GOI, violates the very objective of the 93rd Constitutional Amendment and is a barrier to access medical education for deserving OBC candidates.”

“In the interest of equity and social justice, I strongly urge the Union Government to extend the reservation for OBC candidates in All India Quota of medical and dental seats, even in the State/UT medical education institutions,” Gandhi wrote.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi, who tweeted and supported Sonia Gandhi’s push for “affirmative action”, as it is vital for social justice.

Affirmative action is vital for social justice.

I strongly support the Congress President’s demand to extend the reservation for OBCs in All India Quota of medical and dental seats, in State/UT Govt medical education institutions also. pic.twitter.com/1vu8BL1TL4

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 3, 2020

The row over OBC quota in NEET exam erupted after the All India Federation of Other Backward Classes Employees’ Welfare Association wrote to the National Commission of Backward Classes on May 11, claiming that the OBC students lost 11,000 seats since 2017 due to the non-implementation of reservation policy. Replying to litigation by political parties from Tamil Nadu, Supreme Court had refused to entertain their pleas and instead asked them to approach the Madras high court in this regard.

The NEET exam, scheduled to be held in May, was deferred because of the pandemic and the nationwide lockdown. It is rescheduled for later this month. Education Minister Ramesh PokhriyalNishank said that a committee consisting of the Director-General National Testing Agency (NTA) and other experts will give its recommendations to the ministry following requests to postpone JEE and NEET exams.