The Hindu : Front Page : Separate quota for Backward Class Christians, Muslims in State

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Oct 23, 2007
ePaper

Front Page

Front Page

Separate quota for Backward Class Christians, Muslims in State

Special Correspondent

A “revolutionary day” in the history of social justice, says Karunanidhi

They will get 3.5 per cent each within 30
per cent reservation for Backward Classes
“Quota for the minorities is not a gift but a legitimate right”

CHENNAI: The Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a legislation providing separate reservation in education and employment for Backward Class Christians/Muslims.

The legislation, replacing an ordinance promulgated last month, is also applicable to private institutions with regard to reservation of seats in education. The Backward Class Christians and Backward Class Muslims will get 3.5 per cent each within the 30 per cent reservation for Backward Classes.

Wrapping up the discussion, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi described the day as a red letter day in the history of the Assembly and a “revolutionary day” in the history of social justice.

Justice Party’s role

Tracing the history of the struggle for social justice, he said the seeds were sown by the Justice Party while in power decades ago. It was the battle cry given by pioneering Justice Party leaders such as C. Natesan (1869-1937), Pitti Thiagarayar (1853-1925) and T.M. Nair (1868-1919), which transformed the social scene for the marginalised sections and eventually blossomed into the present situation.

In the intervening period, several obstacles were encountered. “Even now, we have not crossed that stage completely. We have not forgotten that uncertainty prevails over our rights as far as the Supreme Court is concerned.”

Much more remains to be done, he said, and called upon all to work together for the cause of social justice.

He thanked chairperson of the State Backward Classes Commission, Justice (retired) M.S. Janarthanaman, for enabling the Government to take the decision of providing quota for the minorities. He also commended political parties and the media for their support.

Participating in the debate, leaders of the Congress, Pattali Makkal Katchi, Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) welcomed the Bill. Peter Alphonse (Congress) said the quota for the minorities was not a gift but a legitimate right.

Mr. Karunanidhi was the first to recognise this. He and G.K. Mani (PMK) wanted Dalit Christians to be covered within the ambit of reservation, as was done in the case of Scheduled Caste Buddhists/Sikhs.

K. Balabharathy (CPI-M) said the legislation was meant to safeguard the interest of the minorities.

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

Front Page