Quota system delayed, Maharashtra colleges rejoice

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Mumbai: Junior colleges in Mumbai are set to select students after the Maharashtra government decided to defer its 70:30 quota system for admissions.

The state government informed the Bombay High Court on Monday it will not implement the 70-30 admission formula for colleges this year. The system reserved 70 per cent of seats students from the same district and 30 per cent for students from outside. The decision will benefit 10 laks students.

The quota system divided Mumbai into two parts: city and suburbs. The new system was introduced without warning in the middle of the admission process and after the first and second merit lists at colleges were already out. Colleges and students were stunned at the prospect of redoing the entire admission process, forcing the government to withdraw the quota system for this year. The confusion may return next though because the Government is just postponing

Suhas Pednekar, principal of Ruia College, alleged colleges had not been consulted about the quota system. "They should take the colleges into confidence before taking such a step," said Pednekar.

The competition for getting a college seat in Mumbai was doubly tough this year because of the record pass percentage of 86 per cent and the percentile system. The 70:30 quota system would have made admissions impossible for many but it has been held back for now.

Students hope that next year one it doesn't take a court petition to prevent the quota system from coming back.