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Welcome decision

The Tamil Nadu Government's decision to keep four outlaw panchayats of the State in the reserved category for another term is welcome (editorial "No rotation for outlaw panchayats," Aug. 31). Reservation is intended to provide space and scope for the communities that have been historically discriminated against to move away from exclusion. The dominant castes continuously derail the provision by not allowing Dalits to become panchayat presidents in reserved constituencies or, if they do, complete their term. In the name of cohesion or averting caste clashes, the people have no right to defeat the purpose of a civic body election.

T. Marx,
Karaikal, Pondicherry

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The decision is commendable. However, one must also point out that such moves alone will not end centuries of oppression. As long as the root cause — economic dependence of Dalits on affluent `caste' Hindus and the resultant feeling of obligation to them — remains unaddressed, there is unlikely to be any change on the ground. The Government's move is akin to prescribing a painkiller to a patient. Painkillers only suppress the pain; they do not eliminate it.

K.D. Viswanaathan,
Coimbatore

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Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi deserves praise for saying `no' to the de-reservation of Pappapatti, Keeripatti, Nattaramangalam, and Kottakachiyendal panchayats where the due process of elections has been continuously challenged. It is a national shame that even 56 years after the Constitution came into force, and despite the existence of watchdog agencies and mechanisms, a Dalit is not allowed to complete a term as panchayat president.

S. Nallasivan,
Tirunelveli, T.N.

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