Anbumani Ramadoss criticizes Tamil Nadu government on caste census, NEET, and private schools in Coimbatore

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss criticized the Tamil Nadu government on various issues including caste census, NEET exam, and favoring private schools. He spoke about the state's authority to conduct caste surveys and the impact of NEET on poor students.


Coimbatore: PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has criticized the Tamil Nadu government on several issues, including the caste census, NEET exam, and favoring private schools. Speaking to reporters, Ramadoss asserted that the state government has the authority to conduct a caste-wise census.

Ramadoss stated, "The Chief Minister says he doesn't have the power to conduct a caste-wise census. According to the Indian Statistical Act 2008, the state government has the authority to conduct a caste-wise census. Many states are conducting caste censuses based on this. It's unacceptable to say that Tamil Nadu alone doesn't have this authority. If there's genuine concern for social justice, a survey should be conducted to determine the status of various communities in Tamil Nadu. Claiming lack of authority to conduct a caste census is cowardice."

Regarding the budget, Ramadoss said, "Won't Tamil Nadu receive anything from a 48 lakh crore budget? Have all state names been mentioned in previous budgets? Tamil Nadu has been allocated more than last year. Is it a big problem if a state's name is not mentioned in the budget?"

On the NEET exam, Ramadoss expressed, "Our stance is that there should be no NEET exam because it's against poor students. Every year, coaching centers earn two lakh crore due to NEET. Medical colleges also get additional income. Therefore, NEET is for the rich, not the poor."

Criticizing the government's plan to felicitate private schools achieving 100% pass results, Ramadoss said, "Previously, principals of government schools achieving 100% pass rates were invited and honored. Now, they plan to invite founders, trustees, and principals of private schools that achieved 100% results for a government event. This is highly condemnable and should be stopped."

Ramadoss also expressed concern over the increasing number of private schools, stating, "Today, two-thirds of schools have become private. Government schools continue to be closed. This should be considered a failure of the government."

The PMK leader assured that they would not compromise on Tamil Nadu's rights and would fight for funding for Coimbatore Metro. He also criticized the government's approach to social justice and warned about potential consequences if the Supreme Court were to nullify the 69% reservation policy in the future.

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