Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part F (2025)

The British rule in India initiated far-reaching changes in the social and political structure of the nation, indirectly contributing to the upliftment of the Depressed Classes. In Tamil Nadu, these efforts gained momentum after Independence, when the government undertook extensive welfare measures to eradicate untouchability and promote social equality. The establishment of the Social Welfare Department in 1965 and the subsequent Elayaperumal Committee Report were turning points in improving the socio-economic and educational conditions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Legislative measures such as the Untouchability Offences Act (1955) and the Protection of Civil Rights Act (1976) served as strong legal frameworks against caste-based discrimination. Moreover, the introduction of inter-caste marriage schemes, community halls, hygiene programs, and educational initiatives reflected the state’s commitment to social justice. These reforms not only enhanced the living conditions of marginalized communities but also fostered social integration and harmony, marking a new era of equality in Tamil Nadu’s socio-political history.