Wednesday, April 5 2006 16:47 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government will decide on the reservation for students belonging to backward categories in Central Universities and IIMs and IITs following the recent Constitution amendment after the assembly polls to five states.

"After elections, we will decide," HRD Minister Arjun Singh told sources when asked who would decide on the reservation in Central universities and IIMs and IITs.

Asked about the recent fee hikes by various IIMs, the Minister said government has no control over it and it was part of their autonomy. Scholarship scheme should be woven into it so that students from weaker sections also get into these institutions, he added.

The Centre has already directed state governments to increase reservations for backward categories in the state level institutions.

Singh had already written to the states to frame laws in the light of the 104th Constitution Amendment, passed in the winter session of Parliament, which gives them the right to take steps that would ensure advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, SCs and STs in private educational institutions as well.

While the Centre has asked the states to formulate enabling laws at the earliest providing reservation, no decision has been taken by the Centre on increasing reservations in educational institutions under its umbrella.