V P Singh calls for doubling seats, 50 pc reserv

New Delhi, May 20: Former Prime Minister V P Singh, who implemented the Mandal Commission's recommendations for reservations despite widespread protests in 1989, today called for 'doubling' the number of seats in all higher education institutions and 'equal division' of seats to accommodate students from all the 'categories'.

''I suggest we should double the seats in such institutes, then an equal 50-50 division of seats would give equal rights to the backward castes without hampering the rights of the general category as their 50 per cent would remain intact,'' he told reporters at his residence here.

Backing the proposal to increase reservation for OBCs, he said equal opportunity should be given to all castes.

Government should try to look after the interest of all castes and double the number of seats in all institutes of higher education within a year, he added.

Mr Singh also suggested 'neighbourhood schools' like those in the UK should be opened in the country to enable quality education reach the grassroots.

Private sector should be allowed to pitch in, with some riders, in such an effort, he added.

Talking about the ongoing anti-reservation protests, he said people has the right to protest but the protestors, especially doctors, should perform their duties and treat patients.

UNI