Narikuravasof Kancheepuram have urged the Tamil Nadu government to restore lands belonging to the community at various places including Vayalur in Uthiramerur, Madharpakkam and Orakkadu in Tiruvallur district, and Devaneri in Tiruchi.
These lands and more were donated by various persons and trusts for the welfare of the Narikuravarcommunity, for use as schools, hostels and gurukulams. But some unscrupulous elements have been trying to sell them off in portions or trying to transfer the lands in others’ names, said M. Vijayan, a resident of Vayalur, a graduate from the community, who takes night classes for children. “Most of them have been properly registered and we have the required documents. But, when we approach revenue authorities telling them the lands are ours, we are only turned away,” he added.
Activist T.S.S. Mani said that the government should take steps to safeguard these lands and ensure the Narikuravar children get quality education. “Though they are nomads, many of them have settled down at various places. But these locations are far away, outside villages and are not near schools. This has led to Narikuravas not having access to education,” he pointed out.
Ambedkar Pasarai’s R. Raman said that though they have been granted Scheduled Tribe status, they are unable to get any benefits out of it due to the lack of education. Lands belonging to marginalised groups should be safeguarded by the Revenue Department as people like the Narikuravas lack the wherewithal.
Published – June 17, 2026 05:30 am IST
