7.5% Internal Reservation – Tamil Nadu on the Path of Social Justice

Tamil Nadu’s long-standing struggle for social justice began during the Justice Party era and has continued through leaders like Thanthai Periyar, Perarignar Anna, and Muthamizharignar Kalaignar. Today, it is carried forward by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin under the Dravidian Model governance.

The Dravidian leaders, committed to the ideal of "everything for everyone," have consistently fought to secure rights for the people — and continue to do so.

During Kalaignar’s tenure, he implemented several landmark reservation policies:
• 18% for Scheduled Castes
• 3% internal reservation for Arunthathiyars
• 20% for Most Backward Classes
• Internal reservations for Muslims
• 1% for Scheduled Tribes 

The torch of social justice lit by Kalaignar is now being held high by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who has ensured 7.5% internal reservation for government school students in medical and professional courses — a historic step for Tamil Nadu.

7.5% இட Why 7.5% Internal Reservation Was Necessary?

Students from government schools had very low representation in professional courses like Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Fisheries, and Law. This posed a major obstacle to their upward mobility through education. To address this, the Tamil Nadu Government set up a committee headed by retired Delhi High Court Chief Justice Thiru. D. Murugesan to study the barriers faced by government school students in accessing professional courses and recommend corrective action.

Expanding Social Justice to Professional Courses

Based on the Chief Justice Thiru. D. Based on the recommendations of the Murugesan Committee, the Tamil Nadu Government enacted the Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Professional Courses on Preferential Basis to Students of Government Schools Act, 2021. This legislation mandates that 7.5% of seats, across all reservation categories, be allocated on a preferential basis to students who have attended government schools. 

This law extended the existing 7.5% internal reservation for government school students (already applicable in medical admissions) to all professional courses and was passed during the same legislative session. 

Tamil Nadu Government Covers the Full Cost

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that the entire cost of education for students admitted under this 7.5% internal reservation would be borne by the state. This includes: • Tuition fees • Hostel fees • Counselling charges • Transportation fees Following this announcement, Government Orders were issued and funds were allocated. This financial support has become a significant incentive for government school students to pursue professional education without economic burden.

A Landmark Verdict

Several Public Interest Litigations were filed in the Madras High Court challenging this reservation. After extensive hearings, the High Court ruled in favour of the Tamil Nadu Government. 

The judges confirmed that: • The State Government has the authority to provide reservation in admissions • The 7.5% internal reservation for government school students is valid This verdict stands as a major legal endorsement of the Dravidian Model Government’s fight for social justice.

பள்ளிக் கல்வித் துறை விருதுகள்

A Government for Social Justice

This court verdict marks the third major legal victory in the social justice struggle since the Dravidian Model Government took office. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated:“In just ten months of our government, this is the third legal victory in the fight for social justice. By securing social justice both in the people's forum and in the court of law, the Dravidian Model Government will continue to guide the nation on this historic path.” 

A Revolutionary Step Toward Higher Education

The 7.5% internal reservation for government school students not only broadens access to education but also uplifts underprivileged communities, leading them towards higher education and empowerment. It is a transformative step toward building a just, equal, and inclusive society, helping students realise their dreams while contributing to the nation’s development.