Mumbai
Edition, 15th July 2008
July
3:
The first merit lists are released.
The same day, the education department sends a circular
saying that each junior college must keep 70% of its seats
for students in its district
July
4:
Education department dispels fears
that the admission process will have to be redone because
of the 70:30 quota. It says colleges are merely being reminded
reminded of a government resolution (GR) drawn up in 2003
July
5:
The second merit lists are released,
but around six colleges—including Ruia, Ruparel, Kelkar
and Patkar—withhold the lists. Their principals say
they need clarifications on the 70:30 rule. Other colleges
ignore the rule, with some saying the quota is ‘naturally’
followed
July
6:
Principals first express the fear
that students from South Mumbai, who lost out in marks normalisation,
will demand seats under 70% quota or go to court. They also
question how the issue has cropped up in an election year
July 7: Principals who held back second merit lists meet
with the education secretary, who says that if colleges
didn’t implement 70:30 quota yet, they do so in the
third list. The colleges release the second merit lists.
Some, like Ruparel, are careful to release separate lists
for the 70% and 30%.
July
8:
Even as the third merit lists come
out, a Thane corporator files a PIL in the Bombay High Court
against the 70:30 rule. Many Thane students are worried
that they won’t be able to get into south Mumbai or
suburban colleges. Meanwhile, the government talks tough,
says 70:30 will have to be implemented by the fifth merit
list. Extra seats will be given to colleges to help them
comply
July
9:
High Court stays junior college admissions.
Principals say admission process is in a mess, because 70:30
and normalisation rules came too late. Some, like St Xavier’s,
say they have not implemented the quota because they have
got no circular. Many students in the third merit lists
can’t seal admissions
July
10:
Many students flock to colleges to
seal admissions based on the third merit lists, but they
are turned away. Principals don’t put up the fourth
merit lists, even though this is allowed by the high court.
They say that they don’t know the position of the
vacant seats, as admissions on the third merit lists are
yet to be completed
July
14:
Government tells court it is withdrawing
the 70:30 rule this year. Court disposes of case. Admissions
are back on track
