Various hostels are functioning under Tamil Nadu Government Schools and Colleges for various categories like Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
This will make it easier to identify which community the students staying in the respective hostels belong to. The Tamil Nadu government has formed a committee headed by Justice Chandru to seek advice on eliminating caste in schools and colleges.
Accordingly, it has decided to change the names of hostels currently functioning under the names of various caste and religious groups across Tamil Nadu. Accordingly, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced school and college hostels for poor students functioning under various departments will henceforth be called 'Social Justice Hostels'.
He has announced "These efforts will lay the foundation for the current young generation to unite, regardless of caste, and build the future Tamil society as an egalitarian society. The model government will continue to play its role in creating a situation where social justice, equality, and legal justice are common to all.''
Many political party leaders have welcomed this announcement. But some leaders have criticized it negatively. But they have been unable to criticize the Chief Minister's social justice agenda, except by pointing out the shortcomings.
The renaming of hostels in various categories as 'Social Justice Hostels' is undoubtedly a great equality initiative.
Is it enough to just change the name to 'Social Justice Hostels'? One might think. Can anyone doubt that even though the hostels operate under different departments, changing the name of the hostel will be used to symbolize the idea of social justice and equality, so that all students are equal? Chief Minister M.K. Stalin can and should be praised for this effort.
Caste and religious differences did not emerge yesterday. They have been a part of society for ages. Recovering from them cannot happen overnight. That change can only be created little by little. This initiative by the Chief Minister is one step in that direction.
This announcement has been well received by the people across the country, beyond Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who is running the government with the lofty ideology of 'Equality is the goal, social justice is the way', deserves all the praise.
He has done a good thing, let us welcome him with gratitude!