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Rediff.com  » News » TN polls: DMK promises quota for minorities

TN polls: DMK promises quota for minorities

Source: PTI
Last updated on: March 29, 2006 16:26 IST
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Dravida Munetra Kazhagam, heading the Democratic Progressive Alliance in Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday promised to bring about a legislation providing reservation for minorities in educational institutions and government services if they come to power in the state.

The party's election manifesto released by its president M Karunanidhi said DMK would continue to press the Centre for a constitutional amendment for providing reservation. It also promised to repeal the law banning religious conversions.

The manifesto also promises free colour television sets to everyone.

Besides assuring to provide quality rice through Public Distribution System at the rate of Rs 2 per kg, the manifesto said property loans of farmers would be waived off and weavers would get free power.

Promising to bring about legislation to provide reservation for minorities in educational institutions and government services, the DMK said it would impress upon the Centre the need for for removal of 'creamy layer' concept from the reservation for backward classes.

It would also seek an amendment to allow the states to have their own reservation policies based on the size of backward classes and most backward classes population.

On the economic front, DMK said it would strive for fulfillment of its demand that 40 per cent of the total taxes collected by the Centre be devolved to the states.

Opposing FDI in retail trade, it sought doubling the payment of royalties to the state governments by the public sector units.

For the rapid industrialisation of the state, the party promised to adopt a "new approach" in providing incentives for large, medium and small-scale industries.

On Sri Lankan Tamils issue, the party said efforts should be made to find ways for securing them the right to live peacefully.

It assured policemen that a third police commission would be appointed to redress their grievances and refurbish their image.

The manifesto also promised to abolish contract system of employment in government services, immediate houses for tsunami survivors, reduction in bus fares and a memorial to late thespian Sivaji Ganesan.

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