EC asks for further clarification from Arjun, Cab. Sec.

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) The Election Commission today sought further clarification from Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh within a week on his controversial announcement on OBC reservation allegedly in violation of the model code of conduct in force in view of the ongoing assembly elections.

''The EC today sent a communication to Cabinet Secretary (B K Chaturvedi), seeking certain clarifications from the HRD Minister and the (central) government,'' a commission spokesman said.

On April 8, the commission had asked for the clarification of the HRD Minister about his reported announcement of a 27 per cent reservation for OBC students in educational institutions run by the Centre directly or with its assistance, such as the IIMs and IITs.

The commission had given a two-day time till 1700 hrs on April 10 to the Minister to forward his explanation through the Cabinet Secretary.

However, Mr Singh clarified on April 9 that it was not a new announcement as Parliament had amended the Constitution to provide for reservation for OBCs even in private educational institutions in the light of the Supreme Court verdict, exempting such institutions from the purview of reservation.

On Monday, the Commission had said it was studying Mr Singh's response.

Commission sources said the EC was not fully satisfied with the Minister's explanation and hence had sought further clarification.

UNI SN PG HT1927