Reservation not to be affected.

Notwithstanding anything contained in section 5, the claims of students or persons belonging to Socially and Educationally Backward Classes shall also be considered for the allotment on unreserved seats and appointments on public services and posts which shall be filled on the basis of merit, and where students or persons belonging to such classes is selected on the basis of merit, the number of seats and appointments reserved for the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes, shall not in any way be affected.