Commission suggests proportionate equality reservation system

Says population of State should be divided into 3 categories

The Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission, headed by Justice M.S. Janarthanam, is learnt to have recommended to the State government a different policy of reservation – proportionate equality reservation system.

According to the Commission's suggestion, the entire population of the State should be divided into three categories – Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs)/Scheduled Tribes (STs) and the rest of the population.

As a pre-requisite, the share of each category of the population should be identified. As of now, the break-up details of the composition of the four broad groups are: SEBCs – 68 per cent; SCs – 19 per cent; STs – 1 per cent and the rest – 12 per cent.

However, as per the 61st Round of the National Sample Survey of 2004-2005, Other Backward Classes in Tamil Nadu account for 73.5 per cent, which is the highest among States. Kerala and Bihar fall in the second and third slots with 61.6 per cent and 60.2 per cent.

The share of OBCs in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Puducherry is 46.5 per cent, 40.3 per cent and 76.5 per cent.

The Commission has stated that while according reservation to all the categories of people in proportion to their population, preference in education and employment may be given to those who form the lower strata in each category.

Once this is done, the remainder could be given to others as per the category of the population. What is to be kept in mind in this regard that there should be no encroachment of the share of one category by the other through open competition.

The panel is of the view that if the proposed system is followed, it is likely to create a level-playing field among all sections of society.

The Commission has also held that all, irrespective of the category, should be allowed to share all the goods and services available in the State.

There is no reference in the government order issued on Monday to this recommendation as the order deals with two issues – quantum of reservation and exclusion of creamy layer.