TN adds Christians, Muslim to quota list

DMK Govt announces the creation of a separate quota for Muslims and Christians in edu insttns, reports GC Shekhar.

The DMK government on Thursday announced the creation of a separate quota for Muslims and Christians in educational institutions and government jobs through an ordinance.

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Both these communities would get a quota of 3.5% each, which would be allotted from the existing 30% quota meant for Backward Classes. The quota becomes effective from September 15, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said. He added his party was keeping its election promise with this move.

He further explained that the reservations were based upon the recommendations of the Ambashankar Backward Classes Welfare Commission, which had identified the population of the backward classes amongst Hindus, Muslims and Christians.

The State Backward Classes Commission had examined these and provided a detailed report on the need for a separate quota for Muslims and Christians. Christians constitute 6.1 % and Muslims 5.6% of the state’s population of 6.4 crores.