Hopeful of CM nod for caste survey: Anbumani Ramadoss

CHENNAI: PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Tuesday met Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and urged him to immediately order a caste survey in the State, arguing that it is essential to safeguard the State's 69 per cent reservation policy and ensure equitable welfare measures for backward communities.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Anbumani said he had explained to the Chief Minister in detail the need for a caste survey and its significance in protecting the state's 69 per cent reservation framework. He said the demand was based on a resolution adopted at the all-party meeting convened by the PMK last week.

"I explained the issue to the Chief Minister for nearly 25 minutes. He listened carefully, and his response gives us hope," Anbumani said. Welcoming the DMK's recent support for a caste survey, Anbumani said he appreciated former Chief Minister MK Stalin's change in stance on the issue.

He claimed that the survey could be completed within two months if the State government allocated around Rs 700 crore. Citing the Karnataka model, he said the neighbouring State had completed a similar exercise with the support of nearly two lakh officials at a cost of about Rs 600 crore.

According to Anbumani, the census would help identify communities that continue to remain socially and economically backward and enable the government to formulate targeted welfare and development programmes.

Responding to a question on the performance of the TVK government, Anbumani said the administration had made a positive start and that corruption and bribery had reduced significantly since the change in government. "The rulers have changed. It will take some more time for the bureaucracy to change," he remarked.

The PMK leader also urged the Chief Minister to convene an all-party meeting on the Mekedatu dam issue. He said Vijay had assured him that a decision would be taken on the request.

Criticising Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's continued advocacy for the Mekedatu project, Anbumani said Tamil Nadu was already not receiving its due share of Cauvery water and warned that the proposed dam could further affect water availability for the State's farmers and residents who depend on the river.