The issue of caste representation in government jobs and education has once again come to the forefront in Tamil Nadu, with PMK founder S Ramadoss alleging that data released by the State government under the RTI Act on Vanniyar representations are twisted and incomplete. Ramadoss has urged the DMK government to release a white paper on the representation of all castes in government jobs and education since 1989.
In response to an article published in DT Next on Vanniyar representation, Ramadoss pointed out that the RTI data do not provide details about the representation of Vanniyars in key TNPSC Group-1 posts such as deputy superintendent of police, assistant commissioner of commercial tax department, deputy registrar of cooperative societies, assistant director of rural development, and district employment officer. This lack of transparency raises questions about the accuracy of the government’s claims regarding Vanniyar representation.
Ramadoss highlighted discrepancies in the government’s data, particularly in the case of deputy collectors. While the government stated that 11.60% of deputy collectors in Tamil Nadu are Vanniyars, Ramadoss argued that this figure is misleading. He emphasized the importance of considering Vanniyar representation within the 20% MBC quota for deputy collectors, rather than simply citing the total number of Vanniyars in the service.
Furthermore, Ramadoss criticized the government for not releasing comprehensive data on the appointment of police sub-inspectors and teachers at various levels. He emphasized the need for data dating back to 1989 when MBC reservation was introduced, in order to accurately assess caste representation over the years. Without this historical perspective, the government’s claims about Vanniyar representation may lack credibility.
Ramadoss also raised concerns about recent Group-1 and Group-2 exams, where he alleged that Vanniyars were underrepresented despite the government’s claims of meeting the 10.5% reservation quota. These discrepancies further underscore the need for transparent and comprehensive data on caste representation in government jobs and education.
The PMK founder reiterated his party’s stance that the government should release complete data on caste representation in government jobs since 1989. He emphasized the importance of ensuring fair representation for all castes based on their population, rather than manipulating data to create false impressions of equality.
In conclusion, Ramadoss called on the DMK government to release a white paper on TNPSC exams conducted after 1989 and the admission of students to professional courses in government colleges. He urged the government to provide detailed statistics on caste representation under the 31% general quota, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the allocation of government jobs and educational opportunities. The demand for accurate and comprehensive data on caste representation is crucial for addressing systemic inequalities and promoting social justice in Tamil Nadu.