Tamil Nadu Assembly clashes over SC welfare scheme implementation between DMK and TVK

The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed sharp clashes on Thursday as ruling and opposition members traded charges over the track record of successive governments in implementing welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes.

DMK accuses government of rebranding schemes

DMK MLA E. Raja accused the TVK-led government of merely rebranding existing programmes during its first 100 days in office, pointing to the renaming of the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department as the Social Justice Department. He detailed welfare measures introduced under previous DMK administrations.

Minister cites CAG report, raises Godhra question

Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna countered by invoking the DMK's participation in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led BJP government at the Centre between 1999 and 2004, questioning why no DMK minister resigned over the Godhra incident and subsequent attacks on Muslims. He cited Comptroller and Auditor General figures to allege that funds earmarked for Scheduled Caste welfare were not properly utilised during the previous DMK regime, adding that the community's struggles had persisted for 75 years.

DMK MLA K.N. Nehru defended the record, saying funds may remain unutilised for reasons including court orders and that the CAG report could not be read as proof that money was not spent on Scheduled Caste welfare. He credited former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi with creating a separate department for Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes.

Temple priest appointments become flashpoint

The debate extended to the appointment of priests from Scheduled Castes and other communities to temple positions. DMK MLA P.K. Sekarbabu said appointment orders were issued to 32 persons following Periyar's principles during the previous regime and explained the litigation that followed. Arjuna alleged the previous government had dropped the scheme under pressure from religious groups and accused the DMK of invoking Periyar's name only for political gains.

School Education Minister Rajmohan said oppressed communities should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries, emphasising that working for their welfare was every government's responsibility.

Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin listed initiatives including the ₹1,000-crore Ayothee Thass Pandithar Housing Scheme and the Annal Ambedkar Overseas Scholarship Scheme, noting that the DMK government had enacted the Tamil Nadu Development Action Plan for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Act, 2024, to ensure proper fund utilisation. Arjuna responded by alleging the DMK had not conducted a caste-based census during its five years in power, unlike Telangana and Bihar.

DMDK MLA Premalatha Vijayakant urged members to stick to the subject during the discussion on demands for grants, saying heated exchanges would not benefit the people.

Source: The Hindu