Following allegations of caste-based discrimination and repeated petitions from residents, Bus No. 21 service has been extended to Anna Nagar, a Scheduled Caste locality in Kembanur near Thondamuthur, after the intervention of Social Justice Minister Vanniarasu.
Coimbatore: In a significant development aimed at addressing allegations of caste-based discrimination, a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus service was extended on Friday to Anna Nagar, a Scheduled Caste locality in Kembanur village near Thondamuthur in Coimbatore district.
Residents of Anna Nagar had long alleged that Government Bus No. 21, operating between Gandhipuram and Kembanur, was not allowed to enter their locality despite serving nearby areas. According to the residents, the lack of bus connectivity caused considerable hardship for students, elderly people, and daily wage workers who depended on public transport for their livelihood and daily needs.
The issue gained prominence after Vanni Arasu, Minister for Social Justice, Adi Dravidar Welfare, and Hill Tribes in the visited Coimbatore recently. During his visit, residents submitted a petition alleging that the denial of a TNSTC bus service No:21 to their locality was linked to caste-based discrimination and sought immediate government intervention to resolve the matter.
Responding promptly to the grievance, the minister assured residents that the matter would be thoroughly examined and directed district officials to take appropriate action without delay. Following detailed consultations between the district administration and the transport department, Bus No. 21 was officially extended into Anna Nagar from Friday, marking an end to years of neglect.
The residents had repeatedly raised concerns that buses serving Kembanur were either not entering Anna Nagar or were operating only on a limited basis, leading to widespread accusations of social exclusion and systematic discrimination. Many residents had to walk considerable distances to access bus services, affecting their economic opportunities and quality of life.
Local residents warmly welcomed the move, describing it as an important step toward ensuring equal access to public services and strengthening social justice in the region. Community leaders expressed gratitude to Minister Vanniarasu for his prompt intervention and the district administration for implementing the decision swiftly.
Transport department officials confirmed that the service would operate on a regular schedule, ensuring adequate connectivity for the residents of Anna Nagar.
Residents of Anna Nagar had long alleged that Government Bus No. 21, operating between Gandhipuram and Kembanur, was not allowed to enter their locality despite serving nearby areas. According to the residents, the lack of bus connectivity caused considerable hardship for students, elderly people, and daily wage workers who depended on public transport for their livelihood and daily needs.
The issue gained prominence after Vanni Arasu, Minister for Social Justice, Adi Dravidar Welfare, and Hill Tribes in the visited Coimbatore recently. During his visit, residents submitted a petition alleging that the denial of a TNSTC bus service No:21 to their locality was linked to caste-based discrimination and sought immediate government intervention to resolve the matter.
Responding promptly to the grievance, the minister assured residents that the matter would be thoroughly examined and directed district officials to take appropriate action without delay. Following detailed consultations between the district administration and the transport department, Bus No. 21 was officially extended into Anna Nagar from Friday, marking an end to years of neglect.
The residents had repeatedly raised concerns that buses serving Kembanur were either not entering Anna Nagar or were operating only on a limited basis, leading to widespread accusations of social exclusion and systematic discrimination. Many residents had to walk considerable distances to access bus services, affecting their economic opportunities and quality of life.
Local residents warmly welcomed the move, describing it as an important step toward ensuring equal access to public services and strengthening social justice in the region. Community leaders expressed gratitude to Minister Vanniarasu for his prompt intervention and the district administration for implementing the decision swiftly.
Transport department officials confirmed that the service would operate on a regular schedule, ensuring adequate connectivity for the residents of Anna Nagar.