Tamil Nadu Dravidar Suya Mariyathai Kazhagam leader files petition with Coimbatore Collector, alleging private schools demand caste and religion information in student records, violating government orders.
Coimbatore: The president of Tamil Nadu Dravidar Suya Mariyathai Kazhagam, Nerudas, has filed a complaint with the Coimbatore Collector's office against private schools allegedly seeking caste and religion details in student records.
In his petition, Nerudas stated that he had previously complained to the Chief Educational Officer, District Educational Officer (Private Schools), and the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare about some private schools in Coimbatore district creating forms that require students to provide caste and religion information.

Following his complaint, the District Educational Officer (Private Schools) had issued an order on July 10, 2023, stating, "From this academic year (2023-2024), caste and religion-related identities that hinder the overall development of children should not be mentioned in school students' homework diaries and personal information forms. This is informed to all school principals." Nerudas also mentioned that the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare had recommended the Tamil Nadu government to ensure all private schools in the state follow this order.
However, Nerudas expressed shock that some private schools in Coimbatore district are violating the District Educational Officer's order by creating forms that require students to provide caste and religion information. In his petition, he requested the authorities to ensure the implementation of the order in private schools and take appropriate legal action against schools and administrations that fail to comply.
In his petition, Nerudas stated that he had previously complained to the Chief Educational Officer, District Educational Officer (Private Schools), and the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare about some private schools in Coimbatore district creating forms that require students to provide caste and religion information.
Following his complaint, the District Educational Officer (Private Schools) had issued an order on July 10, 2023, stating, "From this academic year (2023-2024), caste and religion-related identities that hinder the overall development of children should not be mentioned in school students' homework diaries and personal information forms. This is informed to all school principals." Nerudas also mentioned that the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare had recommended the Tamil Nadu government to ensure all private schools in the state follow this order.
However, Nerudas expressed shock that some private schools in Coimbatore district are violating the District Educational Officer's order by creating forms that require students to provide caste and religion information. In his petition, he requested the authorities to ensure the implementation of the order in private schools and take appropriate legal action against schools and administrations that fail to comply.