'OBC Quota review after 5 years not acceptable'

Tindivanam, Sep 28: Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) Founder Dr S Ramadoss today took exception to certain reported remarks of Oversight Committee Chairman M Veerappa Moily while finalising its report on implementing 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in higher educational institutions.

Talking to reporters at his Thailapuram residence here, he said media reports quoting Mr Moily stated that the members of the Oversight Committee have proposed a review of the OBC reservation regime after five years and again at the end of 10 years of implementation.

''I do not know whether Mr Moily had actually made this comment and he should clarify on it. If his remarks are true, it is not acceptable,'' he added.

The OBCs had been neglected for the past 60 years in getting a chance to study in Higher educational institutions. The Central government was willing to provide them an opportunity. Even Prime Minister Manmohan singh, the Congress High Command and all political parties have accepted this.

''Such being the case, then why there should be a review after five years after announcing that the quota regime will be implemented in a phased manner,'' Dr Ramadoss asked and added that this was not acceptable.

There should not be any time frame for reservation or any review after five years or ten years.

The 27 per cent quota should be implemented in one go, without the creamy layer, and parties like DMK should be stubborn on this, he said.

Referring to the Mullaperiyar dam issue, Dr Ramadoss said the Tamil Nadu government should not hold talks with Kerala to solve it. ''There is no point in holding talks as it is only a delaying tactic. We should not be carried away by such dramas,'' he added. After prolonged battle, the Supreme Court had directed that the storage level in the dam could be raised to 142 ft from 136 ft.

''Our job is only to take steps to implement the Apex court verdict and the Tamil Nadu government should pass an order to this effect,'' he said and urged Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to immediately consult legal experts without waiting for the local bodies elections to get over.

On Dalit Panthers of India (DPI) led by Thol Thirumavalavan coming back to the DMk-led DPA fold, Dr Ramadoss welcomed it and said this showed that AIADMK had not respected its coalition partners.

''Though it is a belated decision, it's a wise and welcome decision,'' he said on DPI quitting the AIADMK-led front and joining the DMK front.

UNI