House pattas will be given to eligible SC/ST families within 5 years: Minister Vanni Arasu

Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu on Monday said the government’s objective was to ensure house pattas for every eligible SC/ST family within the next five years. The Minister, on Monday, chaired a meeting with the officials of his department.

He said the initiative to grant house e-pattas was among the government’s top priorities and would be implemented after consultations with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. “It is unfortunate and tragic that even decades after India attained Independence, many SC/ST families still do not possess house pattas. We are committed to ensuring that every deserving beneficiary receives one,” the Minister, a VCK representative in the TVK-led coalition government, told The Hindu on Monday.

Mr. Arasu said he was confident of achieving the goal as the Chief Minister had made it clear that Ministers should function independently, eradicate corruption at all levels, and provide clean governance. He briefly took a break from meeting a steady stream of visitors to his office to discuss his plans. People from across the State had come seeking assistance not only in matters relating to the Social Justice Department but also other departments.

“Sometimes, I have to personally approach the Minister concerned on behalf of those who come to me seeking help,” he said. The Minister said he spent weekends travelling across the State to gain first-hand knowledge of issues on the ground.

Referring to the recommendations of the Justice Chandru Committee, constituted by the previous DMK government to suggest measures to prevent caste- and creed-based conflicts among school and college students and promote social harmony, he said the government would implement the report. “Whenever caste-based violence occurs, senior officials are transferred. However, lower-level officers, who are familiar with local conditions, often continue in the same police stations. We need to review the situation because caste affiliations among some police personnel may result in such incidents being overlooked,” he said.

Asked about the Justice K.N. Basha Committee, constituted to recommend legislation to prevent caste-based hate crimes and so-called honour killings, Mr. Arasu said the issue was also discussed at Monday’s meeting. “We are awaiting the committee’s recommendations,” he said.

The Minister said improving the condition of SC/ST hostels was another priority of the government. “I have already visited a few hostels and eaten food prepared in their messes. We need to improve the facilities and living conditions,” he said.

Mr. Arasu said special attention would also be paid to schools run by the department to prevent student dropouts. “There is a proposal to classify students into three categories — advanced, average, and struggling learners. Average and struggling students will receive additional attention and coaching,” he said.

Another important issue, he said, was access to burial grounds for SC/ST communities. “In many places, they are denied pathways to burial grounds. Land earmarked for burial grounds has also been encroached upon. The department will address these issues and work towards a solution,” he added.