The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Chidambaram urged to take bold decision on caste-wise census

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Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Chidambaram urged to take bold decision on caste-wise census

Special Correspondent

“It is the only way to ensure that benefits of development reached 97 per cent of people”

CHENNAI: PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Tuesday urged Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram to take a bold decision on caste-wise census, saying it was the only way to ensure that the benefits of development, education and employment reached 97 per cent of the people.

Dr. Ramadoss, who led an agitation here in support of the demand, said three per cent of society had appropriated the benefits of development in the absence of any clear data on castes.

Recalling a petition filed by the PMK in the Supreme Court seeking direction in this regard and a subsequent order by the court asking his party to approach the Centre, Dr. Ramadoss said former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss had submitted a memorandum to the Centre after obtaining the signature of 174 MPs.

“But all our requests were thrown to the dustbin. Caste-wise census is the need of the hour to ensure social justice. Mr. Chidambaram, hailing from the land of social justice, should take a bold decision.”

PMK president G.K. Mani, former Union Minister A.K. Moorthy and senior party leaders took part in the protest.

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