Reservation issue rocks Pondy Assembly

Pondicherry, Aug 25 (UNI) The issue of reservation in educational institutions and government jobs for SCs of Pondicherry origin and migrants today rocked the Pondicherry Assembly with members indulging in heated exchanges during question hour.

Replying to a question, Welfare Minister P Angalan said reservation was being provided only to SCs of Pondicherry origin as per a GO dated August 5, 2005. It was also available to SC students who had migrated to Pondicherry before 1964.

Leader of the Opposition A M H Nazeem asked what action the government had taken on a recent court judgement that the administration could take a decision on the issue.

Chief Minister N Rangasamy said the government would take soon take a decision based on the judgement. Any decision in haste would not be good. Legislators could also give their suggestions.

When Mr Nazeem insisted on an immediate decision, CPI member R Viswanathan locked horns with him, asking what sort of decision the member wanted to take when the matter was going smoothly.

He also wanted the government to consider those who migrated before 1954 as people of Pondicherry origin, instead of 1964. With dalit members joining issue and voicing their views, uproarious scenes followed.

Speaker R Radhakrishnan intervened to bring order in the house and announced that there was a committee to decide the same.

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