PMK calls for nationwide struggle against 'injustice' to OBCs

Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, Oct 18 (UNI) The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), an ally of the UPA Government at the Centre, today called for a nationwide struggle to reverse the ''injustice'' caused to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) by denying them opportunities in higher education and employment.

''I will soon hold talks in this regard with leaders of other states in Delhi,'' PMK founder leader S Ramadoss told newspersons at his garden residence in Thailapuram.

Seeking a report on how many people and from which category were employed in Central Government service, he lamented that even 15 years after the Mandal Commission recommendation providing 27 per cent reservation to OBCs, their numbers were dismally low due to lack of opportunities in higher education. Though OBCs and SC/STs constituted 90 per of the population, only 29.3 per cent of those employed in Central Government service were from these categories.

Dr Ramadoss demanded that a law be passed regarding acquisition of land, incorporating adequate compensation for the land owner, employment for the family members and their rehabilitation.

He found fault with the Government for convening a brief monsoon session when important issues like price rise of essential commodities and cement, uniform education, land acquisition for industries, entry of MNCs into retail trade and elections to cooperative bodies had to be discussed.

On AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa's remarks that top DMK leaders posed a threat to her life, he said it showed her imagination.

Dr Ramadoss suggested import of cement throughout the year and its sale through fair price shops to check the activities of the cement cartels.

UNI