Knowledge Commission divided on reservation issue

Bangalore, May 8 (UNI) The National Knowledge Commission, headed by Sam Pitroda, is divided on the reservation issue, with six of the eight members seeking status quo and two others supporting extension of reservations.

Briefing newspersons after a three-day sitting here on e-governance issues, Mr Pitroda said ''on the issue of proposed new measures, there is a difference of opinion within the Commission.'' He said six of the eight members felt that until such time as the country had explored new and more effective avenues of affirmative action, status quo should be maintained and reservations should not be extended as proposed. The two disagreeing members were Dr Jayati Ghoshi who supported extension of reservations and Dr P M Bhargava, who echoed similar views but laid down certain conditions.

Mr Pitroda hastened to add that this was not final and the Commission would continue to debate on the issue.

The Commission, in a statement, said ''this is a historic opportunity to draft more effective policies to make educational institutions more socially inclusive.'' MORE UNI VK GD CH KP1822