Special camps bring long-denied ST certificate to nomadic families in Nagapattinam

For decades, obtaining a Scheduled Tribe (ST) community certificate has been a daunting and often painful ordeal for nomadic tribal families in Nagapattinam and neighbouring districts, including the Hindu Athiyan, Narikuravar, Irular, Malai Kuravar, and Kaattu Nayakkar communities, a significant number of whom remain without ST certificates.

That barrier is now being addressed through a focused administrative intervention spearheaded by District Collector P. Akash. Acting on long-pending grievances, the district administration has rolled out special doorstep camps in tribal hamlets.

Under the Collector’s direction, a special team headed by Revenue Divisional Officer Shankaranarayanan was formed, ensuring the presence of tahsildars, village administrative officers (VAOs) and Revenue Inspectors (RIs) at every camp. Beginning Sunday, camps were held in four villages across Nagapattinam and Kilvelur taluks and continued on Monday, with another round planned for Tuesday.

“Several tribal families were left out of the system for want of certificates,” Mr. Shankaranarayanan told The Hindu. “With the support of Vanavil Trust, which provided us village-wise lists, we are visiting the hamlets, filing online applications on the spot, and issuing acknowledgements immediately. Those who had already applied earlier are being given certificates on the spot.”

Issuing an ST certificate often involves complex verification. “Ordinarily, there should be proof from an immediate blood relative,” the RDO explained. “But in many cases, such documents simply do not exist. Where records are unavailable, we conduct spot inspections — examining lifestyle, language, worship practices — and obtain corroboration from community leaders, along with certification from the VAO and Tahsildar, as per norms. Once applications are completed, we expedite verification and issue certificates within a short time.”

The certificate is not merely a document, officials emphasised. It is a first-time legal identity for many families, enabling access to scholarships, hostels, welfare benefits, and loans through agencies such as THADCO.

For 52-year-old Kannaiyan V. of the Hindu Athiyan community at Neelapadi village, the certificate marked a turning point. “I obtained certificates for my three daughters when they were in school, but never for myself,” he said. “I am illiterate and did not know the process. Today, I feel I have received an identity itself.”

Shanthi J., mother of two children aged nine and seven, expressed relief after receiving certificates for both children at the camp. “I have waited for years for this,” she said.

According to Solairaj R., People and Partnership Manager, Vanavil Trust, the first day itself saw tangible results. “On Sunday, 25 students, who had already applied, received their community certificates. In Neelapadi, around 120 persons from the Hindu Athiyan community applied through the camp. In Kilvelur, about 120 from the Irular community applied. In Sellur village, covering Hindu Athiyan and Narikuravar communities, 47 applications were filed.”.

A few more camps are planned in the days ahead aimed at issuing community certificates for all ST residents in the district, said Mr. Shankaranarayanan.