Now CSIR Lab/Institute can directly award PhD or Master degreee through ACSIR; and Central Univarsities in tribal areas may hike ST quota: could CUO at Koraput increase ST quota?

Cabinet clears way for varsities in tribal areas to hike ST quota

Indian Express, June 18, 2010

To safeguard interest of tribals in far-flung areas, the Centre on Thursday approved amendments to the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act that will enable reservation in central institutions for more ST and SC students than what is stipulated under the law.

These Central universities, most of which are located in the Northeast, will now be exempted from implementing 27 per cent quota for OBCs in admissions and instead increase reservation for STs. The amendments will be introduced in the coming session of Parliament, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

“The amendments will provide a balance between the local policy at state level and the national policy on reservation. The amendments will ensure equity and inclusiveness and meet the regional aspirations,” Soni said. According to the amendments, the period for implementing the CEI Act shall be enhanced to six years from three years, as some of the CEIs are finding it difficult to adhere to the said time limit for creation of the requisite physical and academic infrastructure.

In another decision, the Union Cabinet also approved a proposal by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to set up the Academy of Science and Innovative Research (ACSIR) that will enable it to award post-graduate and doctoral degrees from this year. At present, scientists pursuing research in the 37 laboratories of CSIR across the country have to register themselves at different universities. The academy is expected to produce 1,000 PhDs in science and technology and about 120 PhDs in engineering annually from the fifth year onwards.

The Cabinet also cleared amendments to the New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994, that will enable elected representatives from the New Delhi area to become members of the NDMC. According to the amendment Bill, a Chief Minister, if representing the NDMC area, will chair the meetings of the council. Alternately, an MP of the area, if a minister, will chair the meetings. Currently, NDMC meetings are chaired by the chairman of the council, who is an IAS officer.

The Cabinet approved establishment of a Directorate of Currency (DoC) in the Finance Ministry, which would work towards enhancing security features in currency notes.