http://www.cbcisite.com/cbcinews935.htm
CBCI SC/ST And BCs Commission Welcomes Reservation For Backward Classes New Delhi, May 24, 2006 (CBCI News/Anjali Sebastian): "A majority of the Catholics are Dalits, Tribals and other Backward Classes, and they are bound to benefit from the move to reserve seats for the backward classes", Fr. Philomin Raj, the Executive Secretary of the Commission for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes (SC/ST and BCs) observed. He added that he welcomed the decision of the government to enact law for the upliftment of the weaker sections. On May 23, the United Progressive Alliance had unanimously decided to go ahead with the implementation of 27 per cent reservations for other backward classes (OBCs) in Central Educational Institutions from June 2007. Fr. Raj, said that India is on an accelerated road to development. The government has a responsibility to ensure social justice and ensure growth for all sections of society. It should create conditions for the upliftment of the downtrodden economically and socially. However, the government should take into account various factors like gender, social status and region of the country to ensure that it benefits the needy and deserving within the OBCs, he added. The Executive Secretary observed that forward community among the Catholics was only a small minority. A large section of our people are Dalits and belong to backward classes. "The Church should sensitise Christians about their rights and how they can benefit from the government's decision", Fr. Raj commented. He also mentioned that Catholic Institutions would also try and implement 27 per cent reservation for the backward classes. No one should be denied admission because they are poor. He quoted from Pope's letter Dues Caritas Est (God Is Love) saying, "there can never be room for a poverty that denies anyone what is needed for a dignified life." (n.20) Fr. Raj said that reservations will have to be brought in a phased manner. The government has to first ensure that all children are given basic and secondary education. He also stressed on the need to improve quality of the government schools. _____________________________________________ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
