States » SouthPosted at: Oct 18 2020 4:15PM

Chennai, Oct 18 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu unit of the CPI (M) will
stage a state-wide protest demonstration on October 20 urging
Governor Banwarilal Purohit to give assent to the government's
legislation to provide 7.5 per cent horizontal reservation for NEET-
qualified government school students in medical courses.
In a statement here today, CPI(M) Politburo member G Ramakrishnan
said in Chennai the demonstration would be held near the Raj Bhavan.
Party leaders will lead the protest in front of all the district headquarters
on Tuesday.
He also condemned the Governor for the delay in giving the nod for the
Bill passed in the State Assembly with the support of all political parties.
He also said the BJP too had not opposed it.
He said the Governor delaying in giving assent to the Bill is against the
principles of democracy.
Mr Ramakrishnan said the demonstration was also to demand the
dismissal of Anna University Vice-Chancellor M K Surappa for
unilaterally writing to the Centre that it need not require Rs 1,500
crore funds for Institute of Eminence (IoE) status for the varsity.
Apart from opposition parties, Tamil Nadu Higher Education
Minister K P Anbalagan also opposed it and said the State
government has decided that the varsity does not need the
IoE status if it affects the 69 per cent reservation and led to
increase in fee structure.
He said the State government will be able to provide the same
benefits which the varsity will receive by getting the IoE status.
The State government will never allow the reservation and fees
structure to be affected, Mr Anbalagan said, adding, action would
be taken against Mr Surappa for unilaterally writing to the Centre
on the issue.
Mr Surappa in his letter to the Centre said the university would be
able to raise the Rs 1,500 crore fund (Rs 314 crore a year) to get
IoE status.
Law Minister C Ve Shanmugam also took objections to the act
of Mr Surappa and said explanation had been sought from him
and disciplinary action would be taken.
All the Opposition parties strongly condemned Mr Surappa's act
and urged Chief Miniser Edappadi K Palaniswami to recommend
his dismissal to the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the
University.
UNI GV 1613