Gov of India Remove the Mention of Caste Sparks Debate in Chennai

Gov of India remove the mention of caste in street names has once again drawn attention as residents and activists in Chennai express concerns about the practical implications of the change. The initiative aims to remove caste references from street names to prevent discrimination and preserve social equality, but it has raised several questions about official documentation and daily life.

Suresh, a fisherman from Irular Colony in Sadayankuppam, highlighted the uncertainty faced by residents. “The area was originally named after temple deities and later became Irular Colony after families settled here post-2015 floods. We are unsure whether the name will be changed, and if it does, how it will affect Aadhaar, voter IDs, property documents, or school admissions,” he said.

Gov of India remove the mention of caste, Challenges of Updating Official Records

Updating street names in urban areas can be complex, particularly when they are used as addresses on various legal documents. Consumer activist T. Sadagopan pointed out the potential problems: “Street name changes directly impact documents that serve as ID proofs and address proofs. Mistakes in updating revenue records or other official papers could lead to property or administrative issues in the future.”

Gov of India remove the mention of caste in street Similarly, S. Vishanth from the Ennore Solidarity Group suggested that awareness and assistance camps should be organized by the state government to help residents navigate the process efficiently.

Government’s Perspective on Removing Caste References

While concerns exist among residents, officials emphasize the importance of the move. Member of Parliament D. Ravikumar clarified, “This decision is not political but aimed at preventing insult and discrimination due to caste mentions in street names. The practice of removing caste names dates back to 1978 under former Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran. Although implemented then, caste names gradually reappeared.”

Gov of India remove the mention of caste in street, He added that the Madras High Court directed the government in 2018 to ensure caste references were removed, and the current DMK administration revived the initiative in 2021 to protect citizens’ privacy and social dignity.

Need for a Smooth Transition

The renaming of streets requires careful execution to avoid disruption. Residents are concerned about the impact on everyday activities, including banking, property transfers, and school admissions. Government officials have stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns to ensure that all affected parties are informed and able to update their records without difficulty. Also Read: Chennai Metro Line 3 Bags ₹255.2 Cr ETA Engineering Contract For Key Phase II Works

Conclusion:

The initiative by the Gov of India to remove the mention of caste from street names in Chennai represents a step toward social equality. While the purpose is clear, authorities must address residents’ practical concerns to ensure a smooth transition and prevent administrative issues.