Chennai, July 30 (UNI) Hailing the Union government’s decision to
provide 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in All India Quota (AIQ)
seats in medical courses, Chief Minister M.K.Stalin termed it as
a “victory for Tamil Nadu and especially for DMK's struggle for
social justice”.
In a statement here, he, However, reiterated the DMK’s demand for
reserving 69 per cent seats, including 50 per cent for the OBCs,
while assuring that the DMK will continue to take steps until social
justice is completely realised.
Pointing out that the Mandal Commission’s recommendations had not
been fully implemented even 25 years after they came into effect,
Mr Stalin said the Union government’s decision to provide 27 per
cent quota for OBCs was a consolation.
"This is a significant move in the history of social justice,” he said.
He also recalled that the DMK had raised the demand for OBC quota
in AIQ seats in both Houses of Parliament and he had personally taken
up the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit
to New Delhi after becoming the chief Minister.
Mr Stalin also recalled that it was on a petition filed by the DMK that the
Madras High Court on July 27, 2020, delivered a historic judgment saying
that students from OBCs had the right for reservation in AIQ seats in medical
education.
Over the years, more than 10,000 students have lost their right to
benefit from the non-implementation of the reservation in this quota
by the Union government, he said, adding that students from Tamil
Nadu were the worst affected.
PMK Youth wing leader and former Union Miniser Dr Anbumani Ramadoss
also welcomed the Centre's announcement and described it as a victory
for Tamil Nadu.
In a statement, he, however, said the PMK’s stand was that the AIQ
should be abolished, and States should be allowed to fill the seats.
He also assured that the PMK would strive to achieve the goal.
UNI GV 1245