Tamil Nadu government committee submits recommendations to curb caste-based discrimination in schools, proposes ban on caste-associated colored ornaments.

Retired Madras High Court Judge Justice K Chandru, leading a one-member committee, submitted its findings to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. The committee was formed in August 2023 following an incident in Nanguneri, Tirunelveli, where a brother-sister duo from the Scheduled Caste community was attacked by classmates due to caste distinctions.

The committee suggested prohibiting students from wearing colored wristbands, rings, or forehead marks (tilaka) that signify caste, as well as avoiding bicycles painted with caste-related symbols or sentiments.

The committee report stated that failure to follow these rules should lead to necessary actions, along with informing their parents or guardians.

The committee suggested that students in all schools and colleges should sit in alphabetical order in classrooms.

It also suggested removing caste-related details from student attendance records and cautioned against addressing or making derogatory remarks about students based on caste stereotypes.

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Existing private schools with caste names should be requested by the school education department to remove them. The committee also recommended regulations prohibiting the use of school and college spaces for drills, parades, or spreading communal or caste-related messages.

Additionally, it suggested appointing an expert body to investigate allegations of educational saffronisation and activities disrupting caste and communal harmony in educational institutions.

For teachers, the committee proposed periodic transfers for high school and higher secondary school staff. It emphasized guidelines for posting officers to ensure diversity and prevent dominance by any particular caste in their respective areas.

In teacher recruitment, the committee suggested evaluating candidates’ aptitude and attitude towards social justice issues. It also recommended mandatory orientation programs for school and college staff on social issues, caste discrimination, sexual violence, and offenses against SC/ST communities.

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The committee proposed a new law for Tamil Nadu to promote social inclusion and eliminate caste discrimination across all educational levels. The law would outline responsibilities for students, staff, and management, with mechanisms for oversight and consequences for non-compliance.