Implement population-based reservation for BCs: PMK

Chennai, Apr 2 (UNI) The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), an ally of the ruling DMK-led DPA, today urged the state government to implement the population-based reservation system for backward community.

Participating in the general discussion on the budget, PMK leader G K Mani said reservation given to the backward and most backward classes never reached the targetted people.

''To reach the people, the reservation should be population-based'', he said adding '' the government could also implement compartmental reservation for the benefit of the backward classes''.

On the agriculture sector, Mr Mani said the sector should be given priority on par with the other industries.

''Agri-business should be encouraged and it should be given industry status'', he said.

Mr Mani also urged the state to stop entry of corporates into the retail.

He said the state government should stop corporate giants like Reliance and Walmart from entering the retail sector.

On Mr Mani's suggestion that excess water of Mettur could be sent to Salem district to meet the water shortage in the region, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi made it clear that according to the feasibility report submitted by the experts the water cannot be diverted to Salem.

Minister Duraimurugan also pointed out that Mettur dam's capacity was 125 feet and the water cannot be diverted to Salem because it has to be raised to 320 feet.

Participating in the debate, Congress leader Peter Alphonse hailed the Tamil Nadu budget for the year 2008-2009 as it fulfilled the aspirations of all the people.

Highlighting the performance of AIADMK during its regime, Opposition Leader O Paneerselvam charged the DMK government with failure to address river water disputes.

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