Dalit Liberation Movement Demands Uniform Implementation of Family Pension for SC/ST Victims in Tamil Nadu

Madurai- The Dalit Liberation Movement (DLM) has raised serious concerns over the inconsistent implementation of the family pension scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families who have lost members to caste-based violence.

Under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Tamil Nadu government is mandated to provide a monthly family pension of ₹7,500 to the families of victims. However, the DLM has found that this scheme is not being uniformly enforced across all districts, leaving many affected families without the financial support they are entitled to.

In response, the DLM, led by its State President S. Karuppaiah, has submitted a petition to the state government, demanding the uniform implementation of the family pension scheme as per the Act. The movement has also taken legal action, filing a case (W.P.(MD) No. 4190 of 2025) in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, seeking an enhanced family pension of ₹17,300 per month for each affected family.

High Court Directs Government to Act

In its judgment dated 17.02.2025, the Madurai Bench of the High Court directed that if all beneficiaries individually petition the government, the government must take appropriate action within 8 weeks from the date of petition and take necessary steps to provide the properly revised family pension currently established by the government to the families of murder victims.

The Dalit Liberation Movement has urged all eligible families to submit individual petitions to Director of Adi Dravidar Welfare Department and Director of Tribal Welfare Department, Chennai to claim the revised family pension.

S. Karuppaiah, State President of the DLM, stated, "It is the government's duty to ensure that the families of SC/ST victims receive the financial support they are entitled to under the law. We urge all affected families to submit their petitions and claim the revised pension of ₹17,300 per month."

The family pension scheme was introduced to provide financial assistance to the families of SC/ST individuals who have been victims of caste-based violence. However, discrepancies in its implementation have left many families without adequate support.

The DLM's efforts aim to address this gap and ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach all eligible families across Tamil Nadu.