Must also look at forms of affirmative action other than quota: Congress

NEW DELHI: Apparently mindful of legal and political wrangles involving its initiaves on quotas, Congress today emphasized the need to look at "other forms of affirmative action as well" to help socially disadvantaged sections of society.

"The reservation model has served India well over the years since independence to ensure social justice, especially for the weakest sections of society, dalits, adivasis, OBCs and women.

"Whilst it is important to review the contours of the model for more effective implementation and to address the issue of reservation in promotion, Congress believes that it is also an opportune time to look at other forms of affirmative action," a resolution adopted by AICC meeting here said.

It also said the proposal to set up an Equal Opportunity Commission has been in principle accepted by the government.

The government's last few initiatives on quota have run into controversies. Its decision to carve out a minority sub quota of 4.5 per cent from the existing 27 OBC reservation ran into rough weather with the courts snubbing the government.

Its another move to give reservation in promotion was recently passed in Rajya Sabha amid fierce opposition by Samajwadi Party while the issue of reservation in AIIMS faculty is also in legal knot.