MUMBAI: The state legislative council on Friday passed an amendment to the Socially and

(SEBC) Act, 2018, thus paving the way for 16% reservation for the

community in post-graduate (PG) medical courses.

The amended

State Reservation (of seats for admission in educational institutions in the State and for appointments in public

and posts under the State) for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018, will ensure reservations in favour of candidates belonging to SEBC classes from the academic year 2019-20.

The amended Bill states: Clause (a) of sub-section 4 of the said Act provides that notwithstanding anything contained in any judgement, decree or order of any court or other authority, and subject to other provisions of the said Act, 16% of the total seats in educational institutions, including private, whether aided or non- aided, other than minority educational institutions referred to in clauses (1) of article 30 of the Indian constitution, shall be separately reserved for SEBC including the Maratha community.