85 per cent quota proposed for city students in DU

New Delhi: A resolution seeking 85 per cent reservation in admission for the city students in 28 DU colleges that are funded by the AAP government was adopted by the Delhi Assembly on Thursday. Rising beyond their political differences, all the legislators pledged to raise the issue with the Centre, L-G and the university administration.

The House also adopted another resolution demanding an amendment in the Delhi University Act (1922), according to which no other university in Delhi is legally authorised to give affiliation to any college. If the amendment is made by Parliament, varsities other than DU can also be affiliated to any other college. Both the resolutions, moved by deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, were passed by voice vote.

During a discussion on reservation of city students in 28 colleges on the second day of the Assembly’s special session, Mr Sisodia said there are over 2 lakh students who pass out from schools in Delhi every year.

“Many of these students are struggling to get admission in higher education institutions. These 28 colleges are funded partially or fully by the Delhi government. The money of taxpayers from Delhi is being used to fund these colleges. And it is our responsibility to safeguard the interest of Delhi students,” Mr Sisodia said.

However, Mr Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, clarified that through this dem-and, the Delhi government does not want to promote regionalism. “People from across the country come to Delhi in search of employment and they start residing here. We want to ensure that their children get admission in DU colleges.

“We should not politicise this issue. We all MLAs will meet the HRD minister, lieutenant-governor and DU vice-chancellor to raise this demand,” the deputy chief minister said.

BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa also supported the government’s move and said it is an important issue and that all MLAs should demand reservation for city students.