“The system of reservation which is followed only for third and fourth grade jobs is a farce. In appointment to top and powerful positions reservation is not followed,” said Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan.
He was speaking at a protest organised by advocates in Madurai demanding equal representation in the appointment of judges to High Courts. Mr. Thirumavalavan elaborated: “For powerful positions like professors, Vice-chancellors and directors of higher education institutions, reservation system is not being followed for promotions. Similarly, reservation is not being followed for appointment of judges in High Courts and Supreme Court.” The reason for denial of the applicability of the reservation system to these positions has never been explained or simply not revealed by anyone, he added.
Of the total job providers, only 15% is the government sector and the remaining 85% was in the private sector. “While 18% reservation is meant for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in government jobs, only a minimal of 6% to 7% is being filled. That too, reservation is being applied only for appointment of third and fourth grade jobs like sweeping, cleaning, office assistant, among others. But the same system is not applied while promoting the staff,” he added.
Similarly, while 27% of reservation was meant for Other Backward Classes in Central government jobs, only 10% was being filled, he said. Further a new reservation based on economic status was brought in haste by the ruling BJP government, Mr. Thirumavalavan said. While they deny increasing reservation for others citing the Supreme Court’s 50% cap on reservation, how did they introduce a new system of reservation based on economic condition, he questioned. “They say that social justice is properly implemented. If they claim so, the scope of reservation should be increased in proportion to the population,” he said.
Adding on to this injustice, many government sectors like airways, railways, among others were being slowly turned into private sector enterprises. This would cost the job opportunities of underprivileged community, he observed.
To prove that the Constitution system was not followed in India and only ‘manusmriti’ was followed, the situation of Supreme Court where only a particular community occupies more than 90% of the posts was the best example, Mr. Thirumavalavan noted.
“The collegium system is very tightly packed to the extent that none of the great leaders and intellectuals were able to influence the system for better,” he added. Only three members sitting in the collegium decide the fate of the entire nation. As the Supreme Court was the topmost court, there was no further relief for someone distressed by their order, he said.
Speaking to the press, he said that Madurai police should permit the ‘social harmony conference’ organised by civil society organisations in the city on March 9.
Published - March 03, 2025 07:43 pm IST
