Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit’s letter to DMK President MK Stalin stating he will need 3-4 weeks to decide on the 7.5 per cent reservation for government school students in medical seats has not sat well with the public and some politicians as well. The DMK President had written to the Governor seeking the immediate implementation of the proposed 7.5 per cent quota for government school students so that students don’t lose another academic year or are forced to choose other subjects.
In his letter, the governor said on the issue, “I would like to inform you that I am seized of the matter and getting it examined from all angles. I need at least three to four weeks time to arrive at a decision. The same has also been informed to the delegation of ministers who called on me recently.” The decision has invited criticism from many since the NEET counselling is set to begin from the second week of November. DMK President Stalin has called for a protest on October 24 outside the Governor’s residence and has also urged the ruling party, AIADMK to do the same and ‘put pressure on Purohit’ to immediately implement the Bill that was passed in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on September 15.
VCK President and MP Thol Thirumavalavan has written to the President seeking the withdrawal of the Governor as well “A Governor is appointed by your Excellency in accordance with Article 155 of the Constitution of India. Article 163 of the Constitution of India clearly says that ‘there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions’. But the present Governor is violating this obligation and creating a hindrance to the State Government,” the MP wrote. He also went on to add in his letter that the law that they want enacted within constitutional provision and that the Governor’s ‘indifferent attitude was jeopardising’ the medical admission process, “The state government has unanimously passed the Bill in the Assembly. The Supreme Court and the Madras High Court also upheld the power of the State Government to pass a law providing quota within quota. The Governor is not only creating an obstacle but also a constitutional crisis,” the MP wrote in his letter to the President.
Madras High Court Justice N Kirubakaran also broke down in tears a few weeks ago urging the Governor to take a decision quickly so as to not jeopardise the dreams of students from rural and poor backgrounds who are aspiring for medical seats. Many took to Twitter to vent their anger at the Governor’s letter, one user said, “Ten percent EWS quota was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8, Rajya Sabha on January 9, President gave approval on January 12. Why does the TN governor want more than 1 month for the 7.5 percent Government school NEET quota?” Another user said, “TN Governor seeks more time to assent to a bill that provides 7.5 percent reservation for government school students in medical seats. Note that the legislature passed it unanimously. This is purposely delay and reeks of arrogance. Had the bill been for upper caste children, it would have been approved in a jiffy.”
According to recent reports, if the quota is not implemented this year, only eight students from government and government-aided schools could manage a seat this year. This is despite 89 students scoring above 300 in NEET.
