JOIN USThe Supreme Court’s verdict that admissions through Eamcet should follow the schedule released by the AP Higher Educational Council has come as a shot in the arm for the Andhra Pradesh government, which has been opposing the Telangana government’s move to make 1956 as the cut-off date to secure nativity in the state.
In its interim verdict, the apex court also said the admission process should be completed by August 31.
Hearing an interim application from Telangana, the two-member bench comprising Justice Sudhansu Jyoti Mukhopadhaya and Justice S A Bobde told the Telangana government that reservations should be made according to the Presidential order that grants nativity for anyone who had completed four consecutive years of education in a state.
Refusing to defer dates for Eamcet counselling, the bench asked Telangana not to discriminate against students since they had taken the tests when the state was still united.
“Please don’t play politics with the future of children,” the apex court told Telangana government, asking both AP and Telangana to respect AP Reorganisation Act that calls for protection of people’s rights. Telangana has delayed counselling to complete the process of issuing nativity certificates to those born in the state on or before 1956.
The state has formed district level committees to verify birth certificates to determine nativity and issue cards similar to passports.
Possessing the card is a necessary prerequisite to avail benefits from the state government including fee reimbursement to students.
Describing the Supreme Court order a ‘boon’ for students from both states, AP Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu said the obstacles for holding counselling have been removed and urged the Telangana government to move ahead with the process.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, however, said the state would seek intervention of a full bench to explain its point of view on nativity and its inability to reimburse all students due to the heavy financial burden.
KCR’s move to make 1956 as the cut-off date for nativity in Telangana has also drawn flak from all political parties.