Finding it difficult to implement the new Other Backward Classes quota comprehensively from the coming academic session, Delhi University could approach the Centre seeking more time to implement the reservation.

"It is doubtful whether we will be able to implement the reservation comprehensively in the coming academic session. In that case, as per Section 5 (2) of the new reservation Act, we will approach the government to give us more time for implementing the quota system completely," varsity registrar A K Dubey told PTI.

Under this provision, the government can give more time -- up to three years for implementing the quota, he said.          
"It is difficult to implement the full OBC quota at one go," Dubey said.

The university is now making a detailed assessment about its requirement of additional teachers and other staff as well as facilities for implementing 27 per cent reservation for OBCs.

Letters have been sent to all the varsity departments and colleges to submit details of their requirements.

"We had made a preliminary assessment about the requirements earlier. But now, we are assessing in detail the requirements for implementing the quota system," Dubey said.

"Colleges that are getting funds directly from the government have been asked to prepare detailed plans, which they will send to the UGC and the government," he said.

The university has also asked the Post-Graduate departments and the colleges that are not funded directly by the Centre to assess their requirements and submit their reports to the varsity.

However, there will definitely be some increase in the number of seats in 2007-08.

"But it is difficult to tell how many seats we can increase this year. The picture will be clear after we get the reports from the departments and colleges on how to go about it," Dubey said.

There are about 79 colleges under the Delhi University with an intake of about 43,000 students at under-graduate level. There are also about 5,000 seats at the post-graduate level.

In the coming academic session, the selection of students under OBC quota will be conducted by the respective colleges.

"After the modalities are finalised and a clear policy is framed on implementation of the reservation, the colleges will be asked to select students at their end under OBC quota. The selection will not be conducted centrally," Dubey said.