The Tamil Nadu government today issued orders to "ensure" that Muslims and Christians got 3.5 per cent reservation each in government services to overcome some 'practical problems' faced by the two communities in availing the benefit.

Though the government had promulgated an ordinance providing reservation for minorities in government services, Muslims and Christians had complained that there were some practical problems in implementing the law.

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today held discussions with his senior cabinet colleagues N Veerasamy and Duraimurugan, State Administrative Commission Chairman Justice A K Rajan, State Public Service Commission Chairman A M Kasiviswanathan and other officials.

After the meeting, Karunanidhi issued orders for ensuring 3.5 per cent reservation each to Muslims and Christians. The orders would cover Group IV services examinations to recruit stenographers and typists for which tests would be conducted soon, an official press release said.

The reservation was first announced through an ordinance in September 2007 followed by a legislation in the state assembly a month later.