PTI

New Delhi, May 16: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to start consultations with political parties from Wednesday on the issue of OBC quota in elite educational institutions. In pictures: Mandal Commission II?
The government is said to be preparing for phased implementation of proposals that are aimed at mollifying the agitating students of forward castes.

Government sources said the proposal, especially for the increase in seats, is planned to be implemented in phases to cushion the effect of reservation.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs took stock of the situation on Tuesday night and deliberated on ways and means to go ahead with the reservation following up on the Constitution Amendment that has already been passed by Parliament.

"As Parliament has already passed the law on OBC quota, there is no question of going back," a senior Minister said, adding that the issue was also on the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the Congress-led coalition.

The Prime Minister, he said would be talking to political parties to see that the proposal was implemented without any confrontation in society.

Amid talks of a balance between equity and excellence, there have been suggestions for implementing the proposal in a way that creates no strife in society, socially-marginalised sections are benefitted and the interests of all protected.

The increase in number of seats may be effected over a period of years keeping in mind the need for strengthening infrastructure.

HRD Minister Arjun Singh told the Lok Sabha earlier in the day that the Government was "not unmindful" of concerns expressed by agitating students against reservations and that it was seriously considering all options that will also satisfy them.

Prime Minister's consultation with political parties is coming at a time when the ruling Congress as also main opposition BJP are talking of a middle path or striking a balance.