TN Government's 'Athiradi' Order; Parents and Students Happy!

Days after reports made headlines where Tamil Nadu school children were allegedly being forced to wear wristbands of various colours to identify their caste, the Tamil Nadu School Education department disagreed with the fact and asked its officers to crack down on schools that are following this rule.

As per News18 report, the Director of School Education has asked officials to identify schools in their districts where such discrimination is practised besides initiating severe action.

"These bands come is different colours like- red, yellow, green and saffron. The colour indicate whether they belong to a "lower" or "upper" caste," a circular issued by Director of School Education S Kannappan said.

The officer further stated that, rings and 'Tilak' on forehead were also used as caste marker. "Allegedly, these practices are enforced by students themselves and supported by influential caste persons and teachers. Issue suitable instructions to headmasters to prevent such practice immediately and also take severe action on persons responsible for the discrimination," the circular also read.

After parents started complaining, the officials came in action and asked senior officers to take appropriate steps to identify such schools.