'High cut-off marks a result of demand-supply mismatch'

New Delhi: The controversial 100 percent cut-off marks this year for admission in certain streams in Delhi University is due to the demand-supply dynamics and and expanding the educational infrastructure is the only solution to this problem, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said. “If the demand is much greater than supply, then the cut-off will go high automatically. It’s an institutional issue,” he said. “If there is one Sri Ram College of Commerce and everybody wants admission there, what solution can I have?” he asked. [caption id=“attachment_50427” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Since government cannot set up all educational institutions and colleges, it is important to expand the private sector in the educational sector, said Sibal. AFP”]  [/caption] Since government cannot set up all educational institutions and colleges, it is important to expand the private sector in the educational sector, said Sibal. The high cut-off marks, including 100 per cent in Sri Ram College of Commerce, one of Delhi University’s famous colleges, for admission this year had triggered a major row last month with a majority of students and parents coming out against such a yardstick. Stating that fixing the cut-off at 100 percent for non-Commerce students is also a reflection of the prevailing education system based on discipline, Sibal stressed on reforming the system. Sibal said: “We must change this concept of a commerce steam, an arts and a science stream, because it suggests a science student should only do science and not history.” Asked what steps the government is taking to fill OBC seats amid reports of a large number of them going vacant and subsequently transferred to general pool, the Minister said “we have given a directive that none of the seats will go the general category”. He said the Ministry will ensure that 27 percent OBC quota is filled up. “We have also said if the marks are less than 10 percent (the relaxation limit), you go below the 10 per cent.” Elaborating on the issue, he said the Supreme Court order did not lay any rigid limit for relaxation of percentage or OBC category. PTI