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Tamil Nadu restores backward caste quota for Christians

NAT52National/Religion/RightsTamil Nadu restores backward caste quota for ChristiansChennai, Oct 13 IANS Following representations from community leaders, the Tamil Nadu government Monday withdrew the 3.5 percent special reservation for Christian in educational institutions and restored the quota for them in the backward castes category.Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi acceded to the request of a team of Christian leaders led by Chennai Archbishop Rev. Chinnappa after they explained the handicaps posed by the special quota as it deprived them of seats under the the backward castes category, a government press release said. Christian leaders had taken a decision on this a few days ago after a symposium in Kanyakumari district that found that the old system was more beneficial. "The chief minister understood the problem and agreed to restore the earlier system that benefited Christians. The exclusive reservation of 3.5 percent for Muslims, however, will remain unaltered," the communiqué added.With 69 percent reservations, Tamil Nadu has the highest quota system in the country. This includes 30, 20, 18 and 1 percent for backward castes, most backward castes, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes respectively.--Indo-Asian News Servicetsv/vm/tb197 Words13101856