DMK govt says time for Centre to rewrite Constitution

The Governor said in the last 50 years, the political, social and economic facets and the needs of the working class had radically changed. “Today the Backward, Most Backward, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been forced to defend their hard-won rights and to ensure due social justice, including minorities and gender rights.’’

There was a need, the Governor said, to transfer more powers to states by reviewing the division of powers between states and the Union, to ensure that true federalism prevails and the wheels of social justice revolve without any hindrance. “Hence, this government urges the Union Government that the Constitution of India be rewritten afresh, having regard to the changing needs, while preserving the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation,’’ he said.

Leaders of several political parties and eminent jurists had been emphasising the need for rewriting the Constitution, Barnala said. About 100 amendments had been made so far, to take care of the emerging unavoidable needs. “Change is inevitable. In several countries, the Constitutions have been rewritten many a time,’’ he said.

While a law providing reservation in higher educational institutions of the Centre had been enacted, the DMK government urged the Centre to take necessary steps to implement reservation in private sector establishments. The PMK hailed the government’s plea, saying it would “boost the social justice movement in the state.’’