PDP for fresh debate on Professional Colleges Bill

Kozhikode, June 22 (UNI) Stating that quota prescribed for weaker sections in the Kerala Professional Colleges Bill 2006 introduced in the Assembly today was ''inadequate'', the People's Democratic Party (PDP) today called for a debate on the issue involving all political parties in the state.

Pointing out ''glaring deficiencies'' on allocation of quota, PDP General Secretary Gafoor Puthuppady told a press conference here that the Bill sought to provide only ten per cent reservation for SC/ST and 20 per cent for other socially and educationally backward classes, who altogether accounted 80 per cent of the total population.

At the same time the Bill offered 12 per cent for the economically weaker sections of upper class, a mere 14 per cent of the population.

However, the Bill was silent on those students who were unable to pay the government prescribed fee, he added.

Mr Puthuppady said a proper review after a debate would be ideal before the enactment of the Bill.

UNI PCH HS DB1952