New Delhi. The Tamil Nadu government is going to implement new rules aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination in schools, under which students will be banned from wearing caste religious elements such as tilak on the forehead or kalava on the wrist. Additionally, students will not be allowed to add their caste to their names. The decision announced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has been taken in response to the increasing caste-related conflicts in the state’s schools. The government is in the final stages of drafting these rules.
The decision has been taken following a detailed report submitted by a committee headed by retired Madras High Court judge K. Chandru. The committee was formed following a disturbing incident that took place in August 2023 at a school in Nanguneri, Tirunelveli, where Scheduled Caste students were attacked by peers from other castes. The incident highlighted the urgent need to address caste discrimination in educational institutions.
The committee’s 610-page report made several recommendations to eliminate caste discrimination in schools. Key proposals include:
1. Ban on caste marks: Ban on caste-identifying wrist bands, rings and applying tilak on the forehead for students.
2. Action in case of non-compliance: Disciplinary action will be taken against students who do not follow these rules, information of which will be sent to their parents or guardians.
3. Transfer of Teachers: Regular transfer of High School and Higher Secondary School staff to prevent favoritism.
Appointment of School Welfare Officers
For schools with more than 500 students, the committee recommends the appointment of a school welfare officer to monitor the implementation of anti-discrimination policies.
The report suggests strict enforcement of rules to prevent school and college campuses from being used to spread communal or caste-related messages through drills or parades. Additionally, it calls for mandatory programmes on caste discrimination, sexual harassment, violence and the SC/ST Act for students from Class 6 to 12.