TN political parties hail SC verdict on quota

Chennai, Apr 10 (UNI) Leaders of various political parties in Tamil Nadu today hailed the Supreme Court order upholding 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in Centrally-run Higher Educational Institutions like IITs and IIMs.

TNCC President M Krishnasamy, hailing the verdict, described it as a new turning point in raising the standard of living of the backward class people.

He said he was equally happy that Union HRD Minister Arjun Singh had announced that the quota system would come into force from the coming academic year.

Mr Krishnasamy thanked Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who were in the forefront in bringing the legislation for the Quota system, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and PMK Founder S Ramadoss for their unrelenting support to them.

Welcoming the verdict, Dr Ramadoss, who has been championing the cause, said the verdict was yet another victory in the journey towards achieving social justice.

He said he had directed the PMK cadres to celebrate the victory by distributing sweets towards the State.

However, the Supreme Court's verdict that if the basis of reservation was caste, the creamy layer among these castes, should be excluded from the benefit of reservation, was dangerous.

''Nowhere in the Constitution it was mentioned that the well off among the BCs should be denied reservation benefits'', he added.

Dr Ramadoss called upon all political parties to oppose this.

Earlier, PMK President G K Mani drew the attention of the State Assembly about the landmark judgement given by the Supreme court and thanked all those who lent their support for this cause.

Later, members cutting across party lines, welcomed the judgment by thumping of desks, after Leader of the House and Finance Minister K Anbazhagan informed the House of the Apex court order.

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