TN comes out with norms to remove caste-based names in public spaces

Where names are not discriminatory & locals have no objection, they may not be changed

- NIRUPAMA VISWANATHAN @Chennai

THE state government has issued a set of guidelines for removal of caste-based names from revenue villages and public assets following an assembly announcement by CM M K Stalin in April. Before making the decision to change the names of villages, roads, streets, bus stands, markets and waterbodies, the existing names are to be analysed by designated authorities after taking into account the opinions of the local communities, according to an official document.

This enumeration is to be done by Block Development Officers (BDOS) and deputy BDOS in village panchayats, and in town panchayats by the executive officers and in other urban local bodies by the municipality or corporation commissioners.