CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Assembly today, April 19, adopted a resolution moved by State Chief Minister MK Stalin, urging the Union Government to amend the Constitution, so as to extend statutory protection, concessions and rights including reservations, to members of Scheduled Castes who have converted to Christianity.
Vanathi Srinivasan, the BJP MLA of Coimbatore South opposed the resolution and staged a walkout with other members of her party.
CM Stalin acknowledged that Adi Dravidars carried on to face caste atrocities, including untouchability, even after converting to Christianity, and contended that the issue had to be considered in a kind manner.
"According to the Constitution, people cannot claim to be Scheduled Castes unless they have converted to Buddhism or Sikhism. However, considering that they have historically been Scheduled Castes, it is only reasonable to offer them access to the same benefits as other members of the SC group. Only through reservation will they be able to receive an education, find job, and advance in social standing, according to the Chief Minister.
2,206 crores of the 3,512 crores allotted to the department for the fiscal year 2023–2024 would go towards educational programmes. This demonstrates that the department is placing a high focus on the advancement of education, which serves as the cornerstone for the holistic development of the Adri Dravidar people, according to the Minister.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu Minister for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare N Kayalvizhi mentioned that the state Assembly has been spending more than Rs 2,000 crore for educational schemes to enhance literacy rate among SC/ST students.
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