Bhopal: Setback for Nath government as HC stays 27 percent quota for OBCs

In a setback to Kamal Nath government, Madhya Pradesh High Court, on Tuesday, stayed 27% reservation to Other Backward Classes (OBC) in Medical education. NEET aspirant for PG courses Ishita Dubey and two other PG aspirants had challenged 27% quota for OBC in MP claiming that reservation should not exceed 50% as per the Constitution. Chief Minister Kamal Nath had introduced an ordinance in this regard on March 8, 2019.

As per the ordinance, the OBC quota was hiked from 14% to 27%, resulting in total 63% reservation in state. Earlier, OBC were entitled for 14%, ST 20% and SC 16% quota. Advocate Ashish Shanghi said, “As per the Constitution, reservation should not exceed 50%. Hence, the High Court stayed execution of the ordinance increasing reservations from 14% to 27% for the OBC. The court also issued notice to Directorate of Medical Education (DME) in this regard as the petition was filed by NEET aspirants. Counseling for PG courses are scheduled for next week.”

Keeping General Elections in mind, the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh took the ordinance route to increase reservation for OBCs. The ordinance would amend Madhya Pradesh Lok Seva (Anusuchit Jatiyon, Anusuchit Jan Jatioyon aur Anya Pichhade Vargon ke Liye Arakshan) Adhiniyam, 1994. OBCs constitute nearly 52% of the state population and have been demanding increase in their quota as per their strength.

Will file reply in 7 days: Nath
Following High Court stay, Chief Minister Kamal Nath said, We will file reply within seven days.” He claimed that states, like Tamil Nadu, already have more than 50% reservation. “We are taking advice from legal experts and are adamant to provide 27% reservation to the OBC people, because we want to improve their socio-economic status”.