• CLASS STRUGGLE  •

Mumbai Edition, 15th July 2008

What is 70:30

The quota requires a junior college to reserve 70% of its seats for students within its district. Mumbai has two districts—South Mumbai and suburban. Thane students fall in Thane district

The government’s justifications for 70:30

Meritorious students from a particular district are not denied admissions because of students from outside
Enough junior colleges, as also reputed colleges, are available in every district
Students can devote more time to studies rather than travelling long distances to colleges
Wherever required, extra divisions will be sanctioned

The arguments against 70:30

Thane corporator Pratap Sarnaik’s PIL called the rule discriminatory and against the concept of merit. Students would be denied admission to a college of their choice solely on the basis of their address
His plea said district-wise reservation violates the fundamental right of equality guaranteed by the Constitution.

The PIL cited two instances the Supreme Court quashed district-wise reservations. In the first, the Tamil Nadu government wanted to reserve seats to the first-year MBBS course. In the second, Maharashtra wanted to reserve seats to BEd courses
Many of the better colleges are in South Mumbai
South Mumbai principals say that students from Thane district get to broaden theior horizons and experience a different life when they study here