Date:27/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/27/stories/2006062707131300.htm

National

Ramadoss' plea on quota

K.Balchand

PATNA: Founder-president of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) S. Ramadoss on Monday demanded that the Union Government promulgate an ordinance to bring into force the proposed 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in higher educational institutions.

Dr. Ramadoss, who is here to garner support on the issue, told reporters that he had spoken to various leaders and intended conducting a seminar on July 2, which would be inaugurated by the former Prime Minister, V. P. Singh.

He said that he had spoken to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, besides writing to all Chief Ministers, urging them to pass resolutions in their legislatures favouring the quota move.

He urged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to extend support to the Centre on the issue.

Stressing that the 93rd Amendment to the Constitution paved the way for the betterment of OBCs, Dr. Ramadoss said justice demanded that 60 per cent of the population got its due at least now.