Crimes against Dalits are rising in Tamil Nadu, says Governor Ravi

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on Monday alleged crimes against the Scheduled Castes are rising in the State. “In 2020, there were 12,174 such cases. In just two years, that number rose by over 1,800—a 50% increase. Crimes against Dalit women are increasing,” he said in his presidential address at the commemoration of the birth anniversary of Baba Saheb B.R. Ambedkar  at Bharathiar Mandapam, Raj Bhavan. 

The conviction rate for such crimes in Tamil Nadu is less than half the national average. These are facts—not political statements, Mr. Ravi said. “Discrimination still exists—no doubt about it. But the kind of stories we hear in Tamil Nadu, a state that claims to champion social justice are heart breaking,” he said citing slew of incidents including human excreta found in a water tank. “When I came to Tamil Nadu, a state where social justice is frequently spoken about, I was pained by the plight of our Dalit brothers and sisters,” Mr. Ravi said.

During tragedies like the illicit liquor deaths in Kallakurichi, where 66 people died and hundreds suffered, the majority of victims were Dalits, he said.

“Look at the educational status of our Dalit children in government schools—more than half of high school students can’t read a second-standard book. They can’t identify a two-digit number between 11 and 99. Yet they are given 100% pass results and admitted to colleges. But what will happen with just a degree, no skills, and no real education?, Mr. Ravi said. 

This is the age of the knowledge economy. Without skill and education, our youth have no future. Private schools flourish, producing the best students in the country, while government schools are among the worst—even worse than some of the historically underperforming states, he said.

“And who are the victims of this educational divide? Poor Dalit children. They are condemned to a life of poverty because they are not given quality education. When they graduate, they are not employable.This is a fearful scenario,” Mr. Ravi said.

“This is not a political issue—it is a human issue. A social issue. These children are our brothers and sisters. They deserve a life of dignity. The Constitution promises a life of dignity for every citizen. How can there be dignity when they are condemned to poverty and illiteracy?,” Mr. Ravi said.