The event saw the students from a stationary row of cycles written in chalk with the caste categories of BC/MBC/SC, which could be seen by all.
The event saw the students from a stationary row of cycles written in chalk with the caste categories of BC/MBC/SC, which could be seen by all.
The district school education department has come under criticism for labeling cycles with caste categories at an event organized to distribute cycles to government school students in Krishnagiri here recently.
The cycle distribution program held last week at the Government Higher Secondary School for Girls in Thograpalli, Mathur, near Pochampally, was cast in a bad light, as the cycles were marked with caste categories before their distribution.
The event saw students from a stationary line of cycles written in chalk with the caste categories of BC/MBC/SC, which could be seen by all. Bicycles labeled ‘SC’, in relatively small numbers, were parked at the tail-end of the line. Bicycles were distributed to the students by DMK MLA for Bargur D. Mathiazhagan.
Similar to Two-Tumbler System
“It’s a clear separation similar to the two-Tumbler system, where you have SC Tumblr, BC Tumblr,” says Kathir, director of evidence at Madurai-based Dalit rights organization, which sheds light on caste atrocities against Dalits. “When cycles for students are labeled as such, they are automatically referred to as “SC Cycle, BC Cycle, MBC Cycle”. Wouldn’t that language only lead to more discrimination and untouchability? This is what we There is an intermediate caste called the Manas who believes that this is the only way to keep track of the number of cycles distributed,” says Mr. Kathir, when Hindu Spoke to him to read the incident.
When contacted, Chief Education Officer KP Maheshwari said, the cycles were issued by various departments (BC Welfare Department, Adidravidar Welfare Department), which meant that the caste symbol was only an account of their list. However, the justification is seen as a ‘non-application of mind’ by the Education Department, given that caste unity is widely seen in schools.
Just last week, at a regional review meeting chaired by School Education Minister Ambil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Dharmapuri MP Dr. S. Senthilkumar expressed concern over the growing caste pride and identity among students in Western Region schools. It was widely accepted that strong caste pride among young children was hindering the defeat of the goal of social justice and equality among students in schools in the region, with the minister stressing that schools should try to eliminate division. focused on.