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UP backs down on minimum marks for post-graduation

The Uttar Pradesh government today revoked its recent decision to prescribe a minimum of 50 per cent marks for admission to post-graduate classes in the state universities.

This followed protests and opposition by all political parties other than the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. However, the other constituents of the 'sangh parivar' including the Akhil Bhartiya Vidhyarthi Parishad had expressed reservations against the move.

Each political group had its own reasons for opposing the move that was the brainchild of Higher Education Minister Om Prakash Singh, who also happens to be the state BJP president.

Former chief minister and Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati termed the decision as "anti-dalit" as she felt it would deprive the underprivileged castes of the opportunity to acquire higher education.

Former defence minister and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav went a step further by saying, "I will have the decision quashed as soon as my party forms the government."

Significantly, the move has been welcomed by various wings of the BJP. However on being asked to comment, Om Prakash Singh explained, "Well, it was not a formal order as yet ; we were still thinking aloud on the issue, so where was the question of backtracking?"

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