7.5% Reservation For Govt School Students In Engineering, Medical Courses? This State Tables Bill

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin tabled a bill in the assembly which would keep 7.5% reservation for government school students for admissions into professional courses.

Eligibility

These professional courses include those such as engineering, agriculture, veterinary, law and others.

The bill applies to the students who have studied in state-run schools from 6th to 12th standard.

Reason Behind Decision

Stalin said that the decision was made in order to make sure that more government school students, especially from rural areas, are given more opportunities to take up professional courses.

He quoted data from the past few years that showed a declining trend of government students in professional colleges.

They experience setbacks and hurdles due to competition and socio-economic disparity from private school students.

The Data

Figures from last year: 

• Only 0.83 % of government students were admitted to Anna University
• 6.31% in government institutions
• 0.44% in aided engineering colleges 
• 3% got admission in veterinary courses
• 3.7% in fisheries
• 4.89% in agriculture
• <1% in National Law University

Unanimous Support

The plan was announced in a cabinet meeting held in August.

Here, the cabinet was informed that legislation in this regard would be brought in the assembly.

Opposition leader and former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami was in support of the bill.

The bill is expected to be passed unanimously in the assembly.

Committee Set Up 

The idea of reservation specifically for government school students was derived from Justice (retired) D Murugesan committee’s recommendations.

The committee was set up by the state government on June 15.

It researched the issue of poor representation of government school students in professional courses.

Committee Report

It reported that these particular students are at a disadvantage due to socio-economic conditions.

They require more help to pursue their school education and preferential treatment in joining various professional courses. 

Considering these factors, it recommended affirmative action in the form of a minimum of 10% reservation of seats in engineering, agriculture, veterinary, fisheries, law and other professional courses.

BTech Students Allowed To Take Lateral Entry Into Other Courses; Colleges Shocked!