Most Tamil Nadu parties oppose reservation for economically weaker sections in medical seats

CHENNAI: A majority of the political parties in Tamil Nadu opposed the implementation of reservation of seats for economically weaker forward community medical aspirants, leaving the ruling AIADMK with only five outfits in support.

The BJP, INC, CPM, K Krishnasamy-led Puthiya Thamizhagam, and Tamil Maanila Congress supported the move in an all-party meeting on reservation in educational institutions for economically weaker sections.

Most parties in opposition maintained that the reservation for EWS went against the grain of social justice. Tamil Nadu reserves 69% for backward castes, most-backward castes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.


Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam have asserted that EWS plan will not infringe upon the existing reservation structure.

Panneerselvam, in his Speech, said the state can increase total medical seat tally by 1000 by applying for implementing the EWS scheme, as laid out by the Medical Council of India guidelines. Through the scheme, the backward castes would get over 580 seats more and 383 seats would be reserved for economically weaker forward community members.

The DMK has gone to court against the EWS scheme. MK Stalin claimed the reservation amendment would not benefit the intended communities in Tamil Nadu: “Like in other states, there are not so many members of the forward community to warrant a 10% reservation slab.” Other parties such as Vidythalai Siruthaigal Katchi and others have expressed their opposition to the idea.

Speaking to reporters, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said the government would arrive at a decision, having considered the inputs of parties.