Title: Tamil Nadu Government Forms Commission to Address Caste and Ethnic Conflict in Educational Institutions
Chennai: In response to the recent Nanguneri incident, the Tamil Nadu government has taken a proactive step to address the issue of violence arising from caste and ethnic differences among students in schools and colleges across the state. A one-man commission headed by retired High Court judge K. Chanduru has been ordered to provide advice and recommendations to the government on ways to mitigate such conflicts.
Judge K. Chanduru has a history of serving in various commissions without seeking any remuneration or financial compensation. Upon being asked by ‘Hindu Tamil Vektik’ about this practice, the retired judge explained his decision to forgo any payment for his services. He retired from his position as a High Court Judge in March 2013 and made a personal vow not to work as an advocate in the High Court again.
Despite this, Judge K. Chanduru believes that his vast experience should not go to waste and has been providing legal explanations in newspapers since his retirement. He has also served on committees appointed by the Madras High Court, submitting reports on matters such as the conduct of advocates’ Khattab Panchayat in criminal courts in 2016 and preventing fraudulent compensation claims from insurance companies in 2018.
The retired judge’s dedication to public service is evident as he highlights his involvement in other unpaid commissions, including determining fee rates for students studying in agriculture and horticulture private colleges affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in 2020. More recently, in June 2022, he headed a committee advising on the banning of online rummy games, and in April 2023, he was appointed to regulate Juvenile Government Homes and recommend reforms.
In light of the recent incident in Nanguneri, the Tamil Nadu government has entrusted Judge K. Chanduru with the responsibility of leading a one-person committee to prevent caste and ethnic conflicts and foster harmony within government schools and colleges across the state. Judge K. Chanduru willingly accepted the role, making it clear that he does not require any salary or remuneration for his services, surprising the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Judge K. Chanduru emphasises that he receives a judicial pension, which is sufficient for his needs. Traveling by rental autos or cars for shorter distances and trains for longer distances, he shows that public service can be performed without seeking special financial benefits. His desire is that other pensioners like him will also step forward to contribute to public service.
The formation of the one-man commission under Judge K. Chanduru’s leadership marks a significant effort by the Tamil Nadu government to address the deep-rooted issue of caste and ethnic conflicts in educational institutions. By seeking the expertise of an experienced legal professional who is dedicated to public service, the government aims to find solutions that promote a more harmonious and inclusive learning environment for students across the state.