Chennai: PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has urged the need for conducting a caste survey in Tamil Nadu. Anbumani, who convened a multi-party meeting, said that the survey was not about the welfare of any particular caste, but concerned the development of the state. BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, former AIADMK minister Agri Krishnamurthy, and Tamila Vazhvurimai Katchi founder Velmurugan were among the leaders who participated in the meeting.
Need for Updated Socio-Economic Data
Anbumani said Tamil Nadu needed a caste-based survey to generate updated socio-economic data and to defend the 69% reservation policy before the courts. He noted that states such as Bihar and Karnataka have already completed caste surveys, while Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha are conducting similar exercises. Anbumani highlighted that Karnataka used survey findings to enhance reservation for Scheduled Castes from 15% to 17%.
Social Justice and Disparities
Anbumani emphasized that social justice means identifying and assisting those who have been left behind, and that a caste survey would reveal disparities within communities and sub-groups. He said he urged Chief Minister Vijay to conduct a caste survey when he visited his house. Vijay responded that TVK was committed to ensuring representation for all communities on the basis of social justice.
Lack of Detailed Data
Anbumani pointed out that the Tamil Nadu government currently lacks detailed data on many communities, including their educational levels, economic conditions, housing status, and social advancement. Only a comprehensive caste-based survey could provide the information needed to protect the 69% reservation policy legally, he concluded.
