Chennai: The DMK has demanded that the Prime Minister enact suitable amendments to the Constitution to accord rights to States in the true spirit of federalism.
In a memorandum submitted to the PM in New Delhi on Wednesday, DMK MPs TR Baalu, Kanimozhi and Tiruchy Siva, stated that the states are integral and indispensable partners in the development of the country, and States' rights reflect the true well-being of federal structure. The Constitution envisions a healthy Centre-State relationship, one that is built of mutual respect and trust.
Unfortunately, over the past 70 years, the States' rights gradually deteriorated to a large extent. Today, states are left with greatly reduced law-making power and hence the DMK demands suitable amendments to the Constitution to accord rights to States in the true spirit of federalism, the party said.
Highlighting other demands in the memorandum, the party said it fears that NEET damages the prospects of rural, backward and poor students who aspire to become doctors and health professionals. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shall be directed to exempt the students from Tamil Nadu with respect to NEET for medical courses.
The party said New Education Policy - 2019 is an unwarranted interference into the rights of States and it may undermine the Constitution. The party demanded that the Central government withdraw NEP and the subject Education shall be brought back to State List.
The party is asking the Centre to give up imposing Hindi while demanding that 90% of vacancies in Central Government departments and PSUs in Tamil Nadu be filled with youth from Tamil Nadu alone.
Reservation for OBCs in employment and education should be increased to 50%, besides fully implementing the present 27% reservation without any backlog. The party also sought presentation of white paper on the implementation of the 27% reservation for OBCs in Parliament.
Highlighting the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka, the party sought protection of Tamils and their rights and demanded that the Central Government take urgent steps to stop the attacks on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, which have increased after the new government assumed office in the island nation.
The party said Tamil Nadu's finances are in the doldrums and almost a financial emergency-like situation stares the state in the face. The party urged that the funds to the tune of Rs 7,825 crores due to the State by way of GST and other dues be released immediately to improve the financial health of the State.
In his tweet party president MK Stalin stated that “I trust and hope that the Prime Minister will take action on the memorandum expeditiously.”
