Foreign student quota plea surprises PMK leader

Tindivanam, Tamil Nadu, Jan 4 (UNI) PMK Founder-Leader S Ramadoss today expressed surprise over those opposing 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in institutions of higher education such as IITs and IIMs, advocating 25 per cent quota for foreign students.

Speaking to the press at his Thailapuram Residence near here, Dr Ramadoss claimed the administrators of these institutions had sent a letter to the Union HRD Ministry seeking permission for fixing 25 per cent quota for foreign students, which was surprising.

He also alleged the IITs and IIMs were hastily preparing to hold entrance examinations even as the bill providing 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in institutions of higher education was awaiting the President's assent.

Dr Ramadoss said the examinations should be held only after the President gave his assent to the bill.

On the Sri Lankan issue, the PMK leader said a solution could be found only by holding a dialogue.

He could understand Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, whom he met yesterday, was keen on finding a solution to the ethnic crisis.

The PMK Chief also said the proposed medical college in Villupuram should not come up on fertile land or in a lake area.

UNI