SC verdict on 27 pc OBC quota memorable achievement: TN CM

Chennai, Apr 11 (UNI) The UPA government's landmark and historic legislation providing 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in Central Educational Institutions, which was upheld by the Supreme Court, was a memorable achievement and would have a prime place in the evolution of social justice in India, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said today.

In a letter to Union HRD Minister Arjun Singh, said it was really a joyous occasion for the backward classes, whose happiness were doubled after the apex court had upheld the legislation.

''The dream of Tamil Nadu has at last materialised'', he said and thanked him for his exemplary efforts and constructive action to fulfil a significant social responsibility towards the welfare and advancement of the backward classes all over the country'', he said.

This legislation was the second major step taken by the UPA Government towards attaining social justice, after the first step taken by the United Front Government headed by V P Singh, 18 years ago, providing 27 per cent quota to the OBCs in Central governemnt services.

In the letter, a copy of which was released to the media here, Mr Karunanidhi said ''though we have a long way to go to fully accomplish the principles of reservation for the uplift of the backward classes, who have been denied of their rightful opportunities for centuries, no one can dispute that this is a memorable achievement, which will have a prime place in the evolution of social justice in India''.

Expressing confidence that Mr Singh would also successfully solve the 'creamy layer' issue, Mr Karunanidhi recalled that Tamil Nadu was the only state which had been impressing the Centre time and again on reservation for OBCs and referred to the resolution passed in the State Assembly in this regard.

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