After the recent formalisation of its alliance with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) is gearing up to push for three of its important agendas: the passing of a Bill for a law against caste-based ‘honour’ killings in Tamil Nadu; a change in the eligibility criteria for the appointment of the Chairperson of the State Commission for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; and the creation of a State Council to oversee the implementation of the SC/ST Sub-Plan Act.
The TVK government has received praise from certain sections for accommodating eight ministers from the SC/ST community in its Cabinet, and the VCK leadership feels that this is a historic step. It has, however, highlighted some more important measures that must be implemented.
VCK general secretary D. Ravikumar said the presence of eight SC ministers – proportionate to the communities’ population – was one of B.R. Ambedkar’s dreams. There has been sustained criticism that the Dravidian parties were not providing adequate representation to members of SC communities in positions of power.
“As far as the VCK is concerned, it is imperative that the State government pass a law against caste-based ‘honour’ killings in the Assembly. Only a special law can adequately address the issue,” Mr. Ravikumar said.
Former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had previously said in the State Assembly that a separate law was not required and that there were enough provisions in existing laws to address the matter. The frequency of ‘honour’ killings and consequent widespread criticism prompted the State government to change its tack and set up a commission headed by retired High Court judge K.N. Basha to conduct consultations on the need for a special law.
Mr. Ravikumar added that the eligibility criteria for the Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu SC/ST Commission must also be changed. “At present, only retired High Court judges from the SC/ST community can be appointed as the Chairperson. But the National Commission has no such restriction. It says, ‘The Chairperson shall be appointed from amongst eminent socio-political workers belonging to the Scheduled Castes, who inspire confidence amongst the Scheduled Castes by their very personality and record of selfless service.’ We, therefore, seek a change in the criteria,” he said.
Mr. Ravikumar added: “The Tamil Nadu Development Action Plan for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Act, 2024 (Act No. 20 of 2024), was passed in the Assembly, but the Council, which is necessary to oversee its implementation, was not set up by the previous DMK government. This needs to be done as soon as possible. Also, we demand a law as per Article 16(4)(A) of the Constitution of India for reservations in promotions for SC/STs in government jobs.”
Congress’ demand
The Congress party has, meanwhile, sought more direct participation in the State government by seeking the appointment of its lawyers to government posts, which has raised eyebrows. A senior Congress leader said, “There is a lot of clamour for posts within the government. But every appointment has to be approved by the AICC.”