Solutions being explored to SC, ST quota issue: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said 'possible solutions' are being explored to the situation created by the Supreme Court striking down Uttar Pradesh's decision to provide quota for SCs, STs and OBCs in government jobs.

He made the comments at an all-party meeting convened at his residence this evening to discuss a way out in the wake of demands that a law should be enacted in this regard.

"The government is exploring the possible solution of the current situation," Singh said in his opening remarks.He asked leaders of parties present at the meeting to provide "valuable suggestions so that a legally sustainable solution may be arrived at," saying these would "be of immense help to the government to decide on the issue".

Singh pointed out that he had called the meeting to discuss the issue of reservation in promotion specifically in the wake of the decision of the Supreme Court striking down reservation in promotion to SCs and STs in UP.

"You may be aware that the government had always been committed to protecting the interests of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and on certain occasions did not  hesitate even to bring constitutional amendments," he said.