Is Anbumani Ramadoss Right to Criticize the TN Backward Class Commission's Reconstitution?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Criticism of Reconstitution: Dr Anbumani Ramadoss questions the decision to reconstitute the commission with the same leadership.
- Commission's Failures: The previous panel reportedly failed to accomplish critical tasks.
- Social Justice: The commission has a constitutional mandate to promote social justice for backward communities.
- Urgent Action Required: Timely and decisive action is necessary to restore faith among communities waiting for justice.
- Internal Reservations: Recommendations for internal reservations for the Vanniyar community remain pending.
Chennai, Dec 4 (NationPress) In a strongly worded statement, PMK President Dr Anbumani Ramadoss has expressed his discontent towards the Tamil Nadu government for reconstituting the State Backward Classes Commission with retired Madras High Court judge V. Bharathidasan assuming the role of chairperson. This decision comes despite the previous panel under the same leadership reportedly failing to meet its essential duties.
Dr Anbumani highlighted that the three-year term for the Backward Classes Commission concluded on November 16. Following this, the state proceeded to reconstitute the commission without assessing its past performance. He stressed that the commission, which holds constitutional authority and a defined mandate from the state government, did not take any significant action to promote social justice for Backward and Most Backward communities.
He argued that the commission had the power to suggest internal reservations for major communities and initiate a caste-based population census—both crucial steps toward addressing longstanding inequalities.
“Unfortunately, the panel failed to accomplish any of the six key tasks assigned to it,” he stated.
Dr Anbumani emphasized that if the commission had executed its responsibilities properly, countless youths from the Vanniyar community and other Most Backward Classes could have accessed government jobs and gained admissions into professional courses, including medicine. Instead, the inaction of the commission has directly led to the loss of vital educational and employment opportunities for these students.
He pointed out that it has been 1,345 days since the Supreme Court issued its ruling permitting internal reservation for the Vanniyar community in education and public employment, and 1,058 days since the Tamil Nadu government instructed the Backward Classes Commission to provide recommendations on this matter within three months. Yet, no significant advancements have been made.
Dr Anbumani stressed that the Supreme Court's call for permanent Backward Classes Commissions at both national and state levels was aimed at fortifying mechanisms for social justice.
He asserted that reconstituting the same commission without holding it accountable undermines this objective.
He urged the newly established commission under Justice V. Bharathidasan to finally acknowledge its constitutional responsibilities and act with integrity. The panel must complete its tasks within a set timeframe, including recommending internal reservation for the Vanniyar community as prescribed by the Supreme Court.
He concluded that only prompt and decisive action can help restore faith among backward communities who have been awaiting overdue justice.