Stating that non-Brahmin archakas, who were trained for placements as priests in Hindu temples, should be appointed immediately, trained priests came to the Collectorate to submit petitions here on Monday.
Led by N.R. Vadivel, coordinator, Federation of Dalit Associations, members said that Periyar E.V. Ramasamy who fought for the eradication of caste wanted members of all the communities to be priests. Hence, his continuous efforts led to the State government enacting the law that enables any persons, regardless of caste background, to become priests in Hindu temples. They said that amendments to the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act were made apart from a separate law in 2006 that enable non-Brahmin to be a priest. The Supreme Court had also upheld the act in 2015 that enables members from any community to serve as priest.
The petition said that it is two years since the apex court had passed the orders. However, 206 non-Brahmin archakas, who were trained in 2007 and 2008 were yet to be provided jobs. The petition urged the government to take steps and provide jobs at the earliest.
