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TN govt issues instructions on preferential reservation for SC(A) Arunthathiyar candidates
The Tamil Nadu government directed all educational institutions to implement preferential reservation for Arunthathiyars under the 2009 Special Reservation Act. It specifies that Arunthathiyar candidates should be offered preferential SC(A) seats first within the rotation, while other SC general seats remain merit-based and must not affect the SC(A) sub-quota. The article also notes a court judgment reinforcing merit-based eligibility without reducing the 16% SC(A) quota.
Why It Matters
The guidance shapes how Arunthathiyar preferential seats are allocated within the broader SC quota, and it references legal interpretations reinforcing protections for the SC(A) sub-quota.
Timeline
3 Events
May 13, 2026: Article notes Madras High Court judgment on merit-based admission
May 13, 2026
The article references a Madras High Court judgment in E. Surya Vs. Teachers Recruitment Board and others, stating that meritorious Arunthathiyar candidates are eligible for selection/admission under the SC General category based on merit, and such selection would not reduce the 16% SC(A) quota; the preferential SC(A) rotation points must be fully protected.
May 8, 2026: Government communication clarifies Arunthathiyar preferred seats
May 8, 2026
The Tamil Nadu government issued a communication directing that preferential SC(A) seats be allotted in horizontal rotation and that eligible Arunthathiyar candidates could compete with other SC candidates on merit in SC General seats. It stated that in any remaining SC general seats, all SC candidates, including Arunthathiyars, shall compete on merit, and the 16% SC(A) sub-quota must not be reduced. The rotation points 2, 32, and 66 must be protected.
April 2009: Rotation under G.O. No. 50 for SC quota
April 2009
The rotation prescribed in April 2009 (G.O. No. 50) for the 18% SC quota required strict adherence. The preferential SC(A) seats (rotation points 2, 32, and 66) were to be offered to Arunthathiyar candidates in the first instance.