Sivaganga Narikuravar community demands speedy land patta approval, ‘smart village’ status

During the weekly grievance meeting here on Monday, members of the Narikuravar community from Sivaganga district urged the local administration to fast-track the construction approval process for land pattas previously granted by the State government.

K. Raju, a representative of the community, noted that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had handed over free land pattas to 84 families during a recent government function. However, securing the actual land has been a struggle. The current site in Kundrakudi panchayat is the third location proposed, as the previous two sites were abandoned due to local opposition.

He highlighted that despite their official recognition, the community continued to face social discrimination and is often treated as outsiders.

The petitioners expressed frustration that their recent reclassification under the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list has yet to result in any real improvement in their quality of life.

A major point of contention is the district administration’s delay in granting permission for the families to begin constructing houses on the allotted land, they stated.

“We have endured a history of neglect. Even with official recognition from the State, we are still struggling to exercise our fundamental rights,” Raju lamented.

Beyond mere land approval, the community submitted a comprehensive proposal to transform their new settlement into a ‘Smart Village.’ Their demands included: Electricity, drinking water connections, overhead tanks, proper sewage system, paved roads, transport facilities, a dedicated cremation ground, Primary Health Centre (PHC), Anganwadi, ration shop, community hall, local temple and a playground for children.

The petitioners called on the Tamil Nadu government to live up to its social justice ideals. They said the welfare and upliftment of marginalised communities like theirs should be treated with top priority to ensure a true transformation of their livelihoods.