Would follow SC order on admission, recruitment under EBC: Gujarat

Gandhinagar: A day after a flip-flop on keeping in abeyance the 10 percent EBC quota for general category, Gujarat government today sought to clarify its stand on the issue, saying the process of admission and recruitment will go on as per the Supreme Court's order.

The government yesterday first issued a notification keeping in abeyance the Economically Backward Class quota in jobs and educational institutes, but later withdrew it.

Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel today said the first notification was issued in view of the Supreme Court's interim stay to the implementation of the quota.

Apex court had said admissions granted to around 3,000 students under the EBC quota will remain valid, but no further admissions or recruitment will take place under it.

"SC asked us not to implement the 10 per cent EBC quota until final order is passed. Considering this, the general administration department and social justice ministry issued the (first) notification," Patel said.

However, it was withdrawn a few hours later "taking into consideration the larger interest of society," as EBC beneficiaries and others demanded that those who had applied for jobs under the EBC quota need more clarification, he said.

"The notification was withdrawn and the process should go on as per the SC order. Shortly we will discuss the matter in detail, considering its legal aspects, with the advocate general to find some way out for the EBC beneficiaries and take fresh decision on the issue," Patel said.

Asked if the entire recruitment process of the government will be put on hold, the Deputy CM said, "Supreme Court has put on hold the EBC quota, and no recruitment can be done under EBC quota. Government is considering the matter in consultation with SC lawyers and trying to find a way out.

"Government is in the process of recruiting at a scale not seen in the last 20-25 years. The recruitment process is in different stages of test, interview, job advertisement. So whether EBC can be implemented and what can be done about different sections, the government is deciding and will take a decision soon," he said.

The 10 percent EBC quota for the economically weaker section among the non-reserved category was introduced following the Patel community's agitation for reservations.

The High Court struck it down. On appeal, the SC, on September 9, referred the issue to a Constitution bench.