T.N. govt. orders cancellation of ST certificates issued outside notified areas to Kanikkaran/Kanikkar community
The Tamil Nadu government has ordered the cancellation of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates issued to members of the Kanikkaran/Kanikkar community outside their designated geographical areas. Officials have been instructed to ensure future certificates are issued only to residents of notified districts to comply with state regulations.
Why it matters
This action addresses administrative irregularities in the distribution of affirmative action benefits, ensuring that ST status is reserved for those legally entitled to it under state law.
The Tamil Nadu government has instructed all District Collectors to identify and cancel Scheduled Tribe (ST) community certificates issued to persons belonging to the Kanikkaran/Kanikkar community outside the areas where the community is recognised under the State’s Scheduled Tribes list.
In a communication, N. Subbaiyan, Secretary, Department of Social Justice, pointed out the Kanikkaran/Kanikkar community has been notified as a Scheduled Tribe in Kanniyakumari district and Shencottai and Ambasamudram taluks of Tenkasi district. Accordingly, ST community certificates should be issued only to persons from these areas.
However, based on information furnished by the Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency, a total of 954 ST community certificates in the names of Kanikkaran/Kanikkar were issued online in Chengalpattu, Chennai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Kancheepuram, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Tiruvarur, and Vellore districts between January 1, 2018, and May 26, 2026, he said.
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