Chennai: The Madras High Court on Friday directed the state Chief Secretary to take steps to avoid the use of the word ‘tribal’ school in government educational institutions in the state. Justices SM Subramaniam and Kumarappan expressed their anguish over the government calling them tribal welfare schools in the 21st century.
“Why does the government, which talks about social justice, call it a tribal school? Can we just call it a government school? the Judges asked.
“Why should we still be using terms like ‘tribal school’ even in the 21st century, the judges asked
Justices were hearing the suo-motu plea on the recent Kallakurichi hooch tragedy where at least 60 people died after consuming illicit liquor. The Court asked the facilities arranged for the tribals living in Kalvarayan hills where tribals allegedly involved in making illicit liquor.
A report submitted by the Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Welfare Department listed the measures taken for the development of the people of Kalvarayan Hills. The report has explained that roads have been constructed for a distance of 80 kilometers in the last 10 years in the Kalvarayan hills, and schools and hospitals have been constructed for Rs 7.8 crore.
The state government’s report further added that loans of Rs 88 crore rupees have been provided through cooperative banks and street lights and solar lights have been installed for 1.7 crore.
The judges stated that the report of the Adi Dravidar Health Secretary was not satisfactory, and if the road has been constructed for a distance of 80 km in the last 10 years, then why is the pregnant woman being taken to the hospital without taking her to the hospital in an ambulance? they questioned.
Madras HC expressed disatisfactory over Govt’s report
They also said that the report does not contain clear details regarding the construction of schools and hospitals for 7 crore 80 lakh rupees, and the details regarding the loan of 88 crore rupees through cooperative banks are also not complete.
“Are the street lights installed for one crore and 70 lakh rupees, solar lights in use? The judges who raised the question expressed their displeasure that such a report could not have been filed.
The judges advised the chief secretary to take steps to avoid the use of ‘tribal’ terminology in government educational institutions and directed to conduct a re-examination under the leadership of the director of tribal welfare. They ordered senior advocate Tamil Mani to accompany the government team to visit the Kalavarayan hills and adjourned the case for two weeks.
The court pointed out that the use of the term “tribal” was outdated and perpetuated discrimination. “Why should we still be using terms like ‘tribal school’ even in the 21st century, the judges asked. Tamil Nadu States News India: Top News India, States News, States News Headlines, Online State News India, State Politics news
