The roll-out of the 27 per cent reservation package for Other Backward Classes in institutions of higher learning is likely to be staggered.

The interim report of the Oversight Committee chaired by Veerappa Moliy has merely stated that ‘‘the implementation process needs to commence from 2007-2008.’’ It avoids stating that it has to be implemented in one go from the next academic session as repeatedly desired by the Human Resources Development Minister Arjun Singh.

The report, which has been submitted to the Prime Minister, states in bold letters that ‘‘certain issues and constraints have been posed by the institutions through the (five) groups concerning the timeframe for implementation, especially the possibility of sudden expansion leading to loss of merit and excellence.’’

The interim report, a copy of which is with The Sunday Express, says: ‘‘The practical constraints will be addressed by the Oversight Committee institution-wise, on receipt of the groups’ final reports.’’

Though the report specifically does not state in as many words that the quota roll-out will be staggered, a definite give-away is the financial projections package appended to the report. It suggests a 3-to-5 year time frame.

Also, the Rs 16,563.33 crore expenditure needed for the seat increase in 204 institutions of higher learning funded by the Central government has been spread out over the next 5 years.

After four intense deliberations in the last two months, the committee also said that ‘‘institutions primarily engaged in R&D will not fall within this ambit.’’ This means centres of excellence like the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai will not have to implement this new reservation policy.

... contd.