Question : RESERVATION FOR MUSLIMS CHRISTIANS IN TAMIL NADU

(a) whether the Government of Tamil Nadu has announced exclusive reservation for Muslims and Christians in Government services and educational institutions within the 30 per cent quota meant for the State’s OBCs;

(b) if so, the details in this regard;

(c) Whether the Union Government was taken into confidence before announcing such policy by the Government of Tamil Nadu;

(d) if so, the reaction of the Union Government thereto;

(e) whether it is as per recommendations of the Backward Commission; and

(f) if so, the details so far the question of legal advice relating to the Constitution is concerned?

MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS(A.R. ANTULAY)

[a] to [f]: As reported by the Government of Tamil Nadu, it has enacted the Tamil Nadu Backward Class Christians and Backward Class Muslims (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions including Private Educational Institutions and of Appointments or posts in the Services under the State) Act, 2007 (Tamil Nadu Act 33/2007) providing for 3.5% reservation for Backward Class Christians and 3.5% reservation for Backward Class Muslims in admissions to educational institutions and appointments to public services from out of the 30% reservation provided for Backward Classes in the State. The above Act is deemed to have come into force on the 15th September 2007. The reservation for Backward Class Christians and Backward Class Muslims was provided on the basis of the recommendation of the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission.