Tamil Nadu to conduct 'Social Justice Survey' after national census: Governor Arlekar in Assembly address
Chennai, June 18
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar on Thursday announced that the State government will conduct a comprehensive 'Social Justice Survey' following the completion of the national caste enumeration.
Delivering the customary address to the first session of the 17th Legislative Assembly, the Governor outlined the strategy of the newly elected Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. Arlekar stated that the State would not act in isolation but would first urge the Centre to expedite its own processes.
"It is a fundamental policy of this Government that true social justice lies in every community getting due representation. To fulfil this policy and promise, we will urge the Union Government to swiftly complete the caste enumeration in conjunction with the ongoing Population Census. After the Union Government completes the caste enumeration, the Government of Tamil Nadu will conduct the Social Justice Survey," the Governor said.
"The Government of Tamil Nadu is firm in protecting social justice and is undertaking every effort to safeguard Tamil Nadu's 69 per cent reservation. Moreover, standing as a bulwark for minorities, this Government will always support the advancement of minorities and will always uphold their rights. I am confident that this Government will stand tall as a truly 'Secular, Social-Justice' Government," Arlekar stated in his address.
Referring to a memorandum submitted by the Chief Minister to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Arlekar said the State had raised several long-pending demands, including concerns over the proposed Mekedatu dam project, establishment of the Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) near Hosur and issues affecting Tamil Nadu fishermen.
The Chief Minister, Arlekar said, "has also made various requests to the Union Government regarding fund allocation for highways and infrastructure development in Tamil Nadu, establishment of educational Institutions of national Importance in Tamil Nadu, and administrative sanction for Metro Rail projects needed for the cities of Hosur, Coimbatore and Madurai."
"In the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, the Chief Minister once again urged the Union Government to meet these demands. It is sincerely hoped that the Union Government will consider these demands favourably and extend the necessary assistance to Tamil Nadu," Arlekar said.
To further promote the development of Tamil Nadu and to improve the livelihood of people, the State Government will implement an all-encompassing 'Vetri Thamizhagam - Vision Document' over the next five years.
This developmental path, he said, comprises of ten pillars; namely Tamil identity and pride, dignified living and social security, welfare of women, welfare of youth, welfare of farmers, agricultural labourers and fishermen, world-class education, a prosperous Tamil Nadu, excellent healthcare and environment, world-class infrastructure and a people's welfare Government and a good and transparent administration.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting move by Joseph Vijay's TVK government. But let's be real—surveys and census have been done before. What changes on the ground? Already we see creamy layer issues everywhere. And the 10-point Vision looks like a wishlist from an election manifesto. Execution is what matters, not just grand speeches.
As an outsider looking in, the fixation on caste enumeration feels odd. In the US we talk about race and ethnicity, but not with this level of state-mandated classification. But I get that India has a unique historical context. The Mekedatu dam issue with Karnataka is interesting—water wars never end. Good luck to Tamil Nadu!
Vaanga, Vaanga! 69% reservation is sacred in Tamil Nadu—that's non-negotiable. But doing a social justice survey? Government should focus on why educated youth are still unemployed despite quotas. Also, protecting minorities is good politics, but what about the economically backward among everyone else? Wish there was more emphasis on class-based upliftment alongside caste data.
The 'Vetri Thamizhagam' vision with 10 pillars sounds like a corporate vision board! 😅 But seriously, giving social justice a constitutional and data-driven approach is a step ahead of many states. The Metro in Coimbatore and Madurai is long overdue. Hope the Centre stops playing politics with funds for infrastructure. Our taxes go to Delhi, we deserve our share!
I'm a bit skeptical. Caste surveys in India have a history of being politicised. The 1931 census shaped modern reservations—
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