Debate on the relevance of Kallar reclamation and Adi-Dravidar schools

Questions being raised on whether they should remain in their present form

A debate on the continued relevance of Kallar reclamation schools and Adi-Dravidar welfare schools, vestiges of the British raj, is under way. Both types of institutions have been in existence for over a 100 years. While the first category was established to constructively engage the children of, what were once called, criminal tribes, the second became possible, thanks to initiatives by leaders of the Scheduled Castes, such as Ayothidoss Pandithar. The schools were founded when the communities had little access to formal education. Kallar reclamation schools are located in Madurai, Dindigul and Theni districts, where Piramalai Kallars are predominantly concentrated. Piramalai Kallars form part of 68 denotified communities (DNCs) that include Maravars and Vettuva Gounders. Adi-Dravidar welfare schools are situated across the State. As many as 76 castes have been enumerated as SCs. Both categories of institutions admit students from other communities too. Kallar reclamation schools come under the jurisdiction of the Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department, and the latter under the Adi-Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department.