DMK opposes scrapping of regional language from UPSC exam

Chennai: Key UPA ally DMK on Tuesday joined a host of parties in opposing a UPSC notification for scrapping of regional language paper, describing it as an attempt to "impose" Hindi and that the move will affect rural aspirants.

In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, DMK chief M Karunanidhi sought immediate withdrawal of the notification, terming it as a "big blow" to rural aspirants. He said that according to it, only when there is a minimum number of 25 candidates qualified in a particular language, will they be permitted to write their answers in that language and this has come as a "big blow" to rural aspirants. "But this restriction, according to the notification, is not applicable to Hindi and English. In the main examinations, candidates can write answers only in the language which was their medium in the Degree Courses," he said. This "prescription" will definitely reduce the number of candidates opting to write in regional languages, the 88-year-old leader said in his letter. "These restrictions, which bar rural aspirants in the Civil Services (Main) Examinations, open up broad gateway to urban aspirants who study in Hindi or English medium," he said. "The changes notified by UPSC are being construed as obvious steps to impose Hindi. This is a serious violation of the assurance given by Pandit (Jawaharlal) Nehru to our nation," the DMK chief, whose party spearheaded the anti-Hindi stir against its imposition in Tamil Nadu in the 1960s, said. Further, this will lead to an "unhealthy and unequal competition" among rural and urban students, he said. Earlier, the Raj Thackeray-led MNS and TDP, among others, had opposed the new UPSC rules. PTI