Members of the Veera Boyar Ilaignar Peravai and Denotified Tribes Welfare Association (DTWA) staged a demonstration in front of the Collector’s Office here on Monday to press for the grant of 9% reservation for denotified tribes (DNT) within the OBC quota and other demands.
The organisations claimed that a majority of the DNT people were labourers and were in poverty. Youths of DNT should be extended free higher education as was done till 1970. The State government should take steps to ensure that the DNT youth got the scholarships given by the Centre. They also demanded appointment of members of DNT Welfare Board.
The demonstration was led by P. R. Sivasamy, state president, Veera Boyar Ilaignar Peravai and P. Ayyakannu, president, Desiya Thennidia Nadigal Innaippu Vivasayigal Sangam, and state president, DTWA.
Mr. Ayyakannu also called for the declaration of Tamil Nadu as drought-hit and waiver of all farm loans and immediate disbursement of dues to farmers from sugar mills. He also sought steps to provide farm connections to all those who have applied for the same.