100% Proportional Representation: PMK Marks Centenary of Communal Reservation
PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss marks the centenary of communal reservation, calling for 100% caste-based proportional representation for social justice.
Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss has called for a renewed and intensified movement to achieve proportional representation in Tamil Nadu, arguing that the current reservation system fails to deliver complete social justice. Speaking on the occasion of the centenary of the implementation of communal reservation in the state, Ramadoss asserted that true equity can only be realized when every community receives reservation in direct proportion to its population.
A Century of Social Justice: The Historical Milestone
The PMK chief highlighted November 4 as a landmark date in the history of social justice. He noted that on this day in 1927, the third Communal Government Order (G.O. No. 1071) was passed, which provided for 100 per cent communal representation within the then Madras Presidency.
Anbumani Ramadoss credited the then Chief Minister P. Subbarayan and Education Minister Kumbakonam Muthiah Mudaliar for making this 100 per cent representation possible. This policy was later extended to Central Government offices in the Madras Presidency in 1935, remaining in effect until the Madras High Court's verdict in the Champakam Dorairajan case in 1950.
The Evolution of Reservation in Tamil Nadu
Following the First Amendment to the Constitution in 1951, the reservation landscape shifted. A new system was introduced, initially allocating 25 per cent for Backward Classes and 18 per cent for Scheduled Castes, totaling 41 per cent. Over time, this figure has been increased to the current 69 per cent in Tamil Nadu.
Despite these increases, the PMK leader maintained that the existing arrangement is still insufficient to achieve absolute social justice.
Honoring the Architects of Equality
While demanding further reforms, Anbumani Ramadoss paid tribute to the various leaders who shaped the social justice movement over the last hundred years:
- The Raja of Panagal: For introducing the first two Communal Government Orders in 1921 and 1922.
- P. Subbarayan and Kumbakonam Muthiah Mudaliar: For their roles in the third Communal Government Order.
- Omandur Ramasamy Reddiar: For introducing critical reforms to the system.
He also acknowledged the contributions of post-independence leaders and former Chief Ministers, including Kalaignar, M.G. Ramachandran, Jayalalithaa, and Edappadi K. Palaniswami, for their efforts in increasing reservation percentages, implementing internal reservations, and securing constitutional protections.
Further tributes were paid to the Raja of Bobbili, Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar, Thanthai Periyar, Arignar Anna, Perunthalaivar Kamaraj, and Dr Ayya.
The Push for a Social Justice Survey
The PMK president welcomed the Tamil Nadu government's recent announcement regarding a social justice survey, claiming the move was a result of demands raised by the PMK. He noted that the government, led by Chief Minister Vijay, has announced the conduct of this survey and the subsequent formation of a commission for the purpose.
Ramadoss urged the state government to implement this decision without further delay, calling upon the public to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of social justice and to commit to the struggle for 100 per cent caste-based proportional representation.