The Hindu : Front Page : State announces seven per cent quota for Muslims, Christians

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Sep 14, 2007
ePaper

Front Page

Front Page

State announces seven per cent quota for Muslims, Christians

Special Correspondent

The two communities to get 3.5 per cent reservation each from BC quota

Overall reservation to remain at 69%
State to urge Centre to
provide quota

CHENNAI: The State Government on Thursday announced seven per cent quota for Muslims and Christians in education and employment.

It will come into effect from September 15 as a gift to the minorities on the occasion of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai’s birth anniversary, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said.

Those Muslims and Christians included in the list of Backward Classes would get 3.5 per cent reservation each from the share of the Backward Classes of 30 per cent. At present, the Government was following the policy of 69 per cent reservation for the Backward Classes, the Most Backward Classes/De-notified Communities and the Scheduled Castes/Tribes.

The move follows the recommendation made by the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission, headed by Justice M.S. Janarthanam. The Commission’s advice was based on the report of the Second Backward Classes Commission, which had J.A. Ambasankar as the chief.

Immediately after the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Government took over in May 2006, the Governor’s address to the Assembly mentioned that legislation for providing reservation for Christians and Muslims in education and employment would be introduced. The Budget for 2006-2007 stated the Government would urge the Centre to provide reservation for the Muslims and Christians.

A senior official said the scheme of seven per cent quota had been worked out in such a way that the overall quantum of reservation did not exceed the present level of 69 per cent. The Government’s action relied on the recommendations of the State Backward Classes Commission, unlike in the case of the Andhra Pradesh, where the Government Order of July 2004 sought to provide five per cent quota for Muslims. But it was quashed by the Andhra Pradesh High Court. One of the reasons was that there was no consultation with the State Commission for Backward Classes.

The Pattali Makkal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League were among those which welcomed the Government move.

L. Ganesan, president of the State unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party, criticised the decision and said the quota for the minorities had been provided from the share meant for the Backward Classes belonging to Hindus.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page