Tamil Nadu Govt Sets Up Committees To Oversee Caste Violence & School Inequality

In order to oversee caste violence and discrimination among school-going children, the Tamil Nadu School Education Department has ordered the setting up of monitoring committees in every district.

About The Committees

As per new directions issued by the Directorate of School Education, the committees will be headed by Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and will comprise deputy superintendents of police, educationists, and student protection officers.

The committees have been assigned to oversee cases of caste prejudice, caste violence, and sexual harassment in schools.

They are also mandated to receive a monthly report from school headmasters and take necessary action immediately.

According to the new guidelines, such students can approach the government's toll-free numbers 14416 and 104.

Teachers have also been told to sensitise students to the risks posed by propaganda on social media sites, specifically rumors and false news which can lead to caste-related incidents.

The Department of School Education also said that there must be awareness programmes at the school level so that the students may be sensitized against spreading unsubstantiated facts that create unwarranted tension.

The department also categorically mentioned that there need not be usage of the institution's properties for functions or programmes other than academic activities by the school authorities.

The officials added that the decision comes at a time when there is increasing alarm over caste tensions spilling over on school campuses and social media propagating fake news. By establishing these district-level committees and tougher regulations, the government wants to establish a safe and welcoming learning environment in the state.