Sibal restores MPs’ quota in central schools

NEW DELHI - The central government has decided to restore the MPs’ quota for admission of students in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs). Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal has, however, surrendered his share to recommend students for admission.

“In light of the sentiments expressed, we have decided to restore (the provision for) two nominations per member in Kendriya Vidyalayas, but I have surrendered my quota,” Sibal informed the Rajya Sabha Friday.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangthan here Thursday.

“I have surrendered both the minister’s and MP’s quota, but I will restore it for you,” he said.

The quota of admission for candidates recommended by MPs was started during the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government but was withdrawn after anomalies were noticed.

The demand for restoring the quota was echoed strongly by members of both the houses during the last two weeks.

Sibal, who is the chairman of the board of governance of KVs, had been supporting the scrapping of the quota system to make admissions fair.

The minister’s announcement was greeted with cheers and surprise from the members who were heard saying “why this sacrifice”.