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Today Date : Saturday, February 08, 2025

Caste-related question in the University named after  Dravidian ideologue Periyar?

Caste-related question in the University named after Dravidian ideologue Periyar?

Students of Salem's Periyar university were asked to answer a caste-related question in the recently held semester examination and it has sparked a controversy in Tamil Nadu.
 

The question paper for the first year in MA (History) examination had asked the students to answer "Which one is the lower caste belongs to Tamil Nadu?" and the students were given four options - Mahars, Nadars, Ezhavas and Harjans - to choose. 

The question which has been asked by the varsity that is named after Periyar who had fought against caste oppression and social inequality in the state has created an uproar in the state.
 

Within hours, the question paper went viral on social media platforms with the irked public and political leaders slamming the authorities for attempting to reinforce caste differences among students through such questions. 

Political leaders including Edappadi K Palaniswami, O Panneerselvam, Dr Ramadoss, Anbumani Ramadoss and K Veeramani have registered their opposition.
 

Subsequently, the state government has constituted a committee to inquire into the issue and has assured to take immediate actions based on the outcome of the inquiry. 

The varsity, from its side, has said that the question paper was prepared by the staff of a different university and assured to launch an inquiry.
 

Meanwhile, the National commission for Scheduled Castes had sought an explanation from the University and sent a notice to its Vice-Chancellor.
 

At a time when such caste-related questions have become unacceptable even when they are asked by the public, it is a shock that it has come from the reputed university in the state that is known for social justice.

 All those who are involved in framing such a question should be punished and immediately sacked from the post of lecturers. 

Both the university and the state government should take this as a lesson and take all the necessary steps to prevent reinforcement caste difference in any form.