Remove caste names from schools and hostels: Plea

Madurai: Madras high court on Wednesday sought a response from the state on a plea which sought a direction to the government to remove caste names as prefixes or suffixes from school and hostel names.A division bench of justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy and justice R Poornima was hearing a public interest litigation filed by an advocate A Rahul of Madurai.The petitioner stated that caste-based discrimination is a persistent issue in Tamil Nadu, and is particularly troubling in schools. This environment meant to foster learning and growth is marred by prejudice and social hierarchy. Students from the weaker sections were still made to stand apart and forced to involve in cleaning activities in the schools. Several schools, colleges and educational institutions managed by different associations are referred to by specific caste names.He stated that the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front conducted a study across 441 schools in 2023. The study, which covered government, government-aided and private schools, found that caste-based discrimination was prevalent among students and alarmingly, propagated by some teachers. Teachers actively propagated caste-based discrimination in classrooms, refused to touch the weaker section students and subjected them to excessive punishment.He stated that retired high court judge, justice K Chandru was appointed to head a committee to address caste-based discrimination and violence in schools. The committee gave several recommendations and the very first recommendation was to drop caste names used as prefixes and suffixes in school and hostel names.The petitioner stated that the high court in 2025 had issued certain directions including the removal of caste names from the schools, hostels. However, the order was not complied with. He stated that he had submitted a representation to the authorities seeking to remove caste names as prefixes or suffixes from school and hostel names and rename them in appropriate terms without mentioning the caste names. Since the same was not considered, the petitioner moved court.