Government of Tamil Nadu plans to give house pattas to all eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families within five years,Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu announced. During Monday meeting with officials,he stressed this is top priority for administration.
Arasu voiced concern that many SC/ST families still wait for house pattas decades after India's independence. “It's unfortunate and tragic that even decades after Independence,many SC/ST families still lack house pattas. We're committed to ensuring every deserving beneficiary gets one,” he said. Plan to move forward after talks with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
Minister,representing VCK in coalition with TVK,believes goal is achievable. Chief Minister stressed importance of independent ministerial functioning,corruption eradication,clean governance.
Arasu actively engages with citizens statewide,often using weekends to travel and grasp local issues firsthand . Many visit his office seeking help,not just from Social Justice Department. “Sometimes,I personally approach concerned Ministers for those seeking help,” he noted.
Besides house pattas,government also focuses on improving SC/ST hostels. Arasu visited several,even tasting hostel meals . Better facilities and living conditions needed for hostel students.
On caste-based violence,Minister referenced Justice Chandru Committee recommendations for social harmony among students. Government plans to act on these. “Whenever caste violence occurs,senior officials are transferred,but lower-level officers familiar with local conditions often remain. We need to review this due to caste affiliations among some police,” he explained.
Regarding Justice K.N. Basha Committee,charged with suggesting laws against caste-based hate crimes,Arasu confirmed discussions on its recommendations during meeting.
Minister also stressed addressing burial ground access for SC/ST communities . Many are denied access,with some sites encroached upon. “Department will tackle these issues and work towards solution,” he promised.
Finally,Arasu proposed classifying department-run school students into three groups—advanced,average,struggling learners. Initiative aims to offer extra support,coaching to average,struggling students to cut dropout rates…
