Welcoming the Union Cabinet’s decision to accord Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Narikuravars, DMK leader M. Karunanidhi on Sunday demanded Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians and inclusion of fishermen in the ST list as marine tribes.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said by an early Constitution Amendment, the Narikuravars, who were socially and educationally far behind all other Communities, would start moving forward by reaping the benefits earmarked for STs.
Mr. Karunanidhi said as a secular country India had freedom of religion. Hence, Dalits after their conversion to Christianity should be treated as SCs/STs.
“They should be allowed to have access to all concessions and privileges. There are precedents for extending such concessions in respect of similar conversions to Sikh Christians and Buddhist Christians,” he said, pointing out the recommendation of the Justice Sachar Committee to this effect.
Explaining why the fishermen should be included in the list of STs as marine tribes, he said the community, by their very geographical nature was socially and educationally akin to the STs.
“Their only occupation is fishing and they spend most of their lifetime in seawaters without effective contacts with the outside world. If they are included in the list of STs, which they deserve well in all respects, it will enable them to surely climb up the ladder of life and enjoy the sunlight of advancement,” he said. A copy of his letter to the Mr. Modi was released to the media here.
In a letter to Prime Minister, he also sought inclusion of fishermen in the ST list as marine tribes
