Preference in government jobs based on popular demand: Karunanidhi

COIMBATORE - The announcement at the World Classical Tamil Conference valedictory function to give preference in state government jobs to those who studied Tamil was based on the demand made by several journalists, poets and others, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said here Monday.

“The announcement was welcomed by lakhs of people attending the conference. It was not my own decision. Many journalists and poets had earlier expressed similar views and we just echoed the same. Those who love the Tamil language, Tamil people and their progress will not oppose the idea,” Karunanidhi told reporters when queried on the constitutional validity of reserving jobs based on a person’s medium of education.

At the valedictory function of World Classical Tamil Conference, Karunanidhi had announced passing a law to enable preference in government jobs to those who studied in Tamil medium.

When queried about his retirement plans, Karunanidhi said: “You tell whether I should stay away from politics.”

He said there will be efforts to ensure that the World Classical Tamil Conference was held at least once in five years in places where Tamil people live.

Reacting to AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa’s charge that DMK was also responsible for the recent oil price hike, Karunanidhi said: “The hike was lower than what was initially contemplated as the state government had suggested some measures.”

He added: “Even though the state transport undertakings would have to bear an additional Rs.150 crore burden due to the oil price hike, the government will not increase the bus fares.”