The Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council SC/ST Commission has urged the State government to introduce a 4.6 percent internal reservation for Dalit Christians to ensure equitable access to education, employment and social opportunities.
The appeal was submitted on February 24 when Fr. Nithiya Sagayam OFM Cap, Secretary of the Commission, met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin in Kanyakumari on behalf of Commission chairman Bishop Jeevanandam. A memorandum called for the creation of a 4.6 percent internal quota for Dalit Christians within the Backward Class category.
The Commission noted that Dalit communities have historically faced structural discrimination that continues to hinder socio-economic progress. While Scheduled Caste Hindus receive reservation benefits, Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims remain excluded despite experiencing similar disadvantages.
The memorandum also pointed out that Tamil Nadu has already implemented a 3.5 percent internal reservation for Muslims. Referring to the 2011 Census, it stated that Christians form about six percent of the State’s population, of whom nearly 65 percent are Dalit Christians—approximately 4.6 percent of the total population—forming the statistical basis for the demand.
Backing the appeal, the Commission conducted a year-long statewide mobilisation campaign, collecting over one lakh signatures. These will be submitted to the State Secretariat in Chennai as a collective representation. The Commission said the initiative aims to promote dignity, equality and inclusive development for marginalized communities.
