Kendriya Vidyalaya Admission: BJD, Congress Critical Of Stay On MP Quota, Demand Rollback

The MP quota used to allow every Member of Parliament to recommend 10 students for admission to the Kendriya Vidyalayas.

BHUBANESWAR: The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS)’s decision to put on hold admission in the central schools under special provisions, including MP and DM quotas has invited flak from the BJD and the Congress party in Odisha.

As per the provision, the MP quota used to allow every Member of Parliament to recommend 10 students for admission to the Kendriya Vidyalayas.

Terming the move grave injustice, Congress MLA Suresh Routray demanded immediate rollback of the decision.

“Putting on hold the discretionary quota is not right. It is a grave injustice as many poor children belonging to tribal, harijan and other minority communities would be denied benefits,” the Jatani MLA said.

“By staying the reservation policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is shooting off Dharmendra Pradhan’s shoulder who was given the education portfolio couple of months back. Now, people across the country is blaming Pradhan for the decision,” Routray added.

He demanded immediate rollback of the decision for the benefit of the poor students.

Speaking on the issue, BJD MP Munna Khan said, “We were able to help at least 10 students whose parents could not afford their education in good institutions. I will request the concerned Union Ministry not to take such a decision which will hamper the education of poor children. I will request to increase the quota or restore it to the earlier level if not giving a hike.”

Responding to the statements of the Opposition, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has however said, “The move will benefit the children coming from economically weaker section.”