Literary Voice Joins Social Justice Platform
Imayam Becomes Vice-Chairperson of Tamil Nadu SC/ST Commission: Acclaimed Tamil novelist Imayam, known in civil records as V. Annamalai, has been officially appointed as the Vice-Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. With a strong body of work addressing caste-based inequalities, his entry into the Commission brings grassroots insight and narrative-driven advocacy to the forefront of policy review and community redressal.
The appointment was announced under the provisions of the Tamil Nadu State Commission for SC/ST Act, 2021, which guides the structure and operation of the commission.
Commission Composition and Term
The current Commission includes a Chairperson and five members, all of whom will serve for a three-year period. Apart from Imayam, the following members have been inducted:
- Selvakumar from Coimbatore
- Ananda Raja representing Thanjavur
- Pon Dhous of The Nilgiris
- Ilanchezhian from Tirunelveli (reappointed)
Retired Justice S. Tamilvanan, formerly of the Madras High Court, has been appointed as the Chairperson, bringing extensive legal experience to the Commission’s functioning.
Legal Authority and Responsibilities
The Commission is tasked with defending and promoting the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Tamil Nadu. Key powers and responsibilities include:
- Probing alleged violations under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
- Reviewing enforcement of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955
- Investigating administrative negligence in safeguarding SC/ST rights
- Offering policy advice for improving socio-economic conditions and equity
The Commission serves as both a watchdog and advisory body, ensuring constitutional guarantees are translated into tangible justice for marginalized communities.
A Cultural Lens to Policy
Imayam’s inclusion is seen as a progressive step in integrating cultural consciousness with state mechanisms. His literary contributions, especially focused on Dalit lives and narratives, provide critical perspectives that are often overlooked in formal institutions. His role is expected to help bridge the gap between lived experiences and institutional action.
The Tamil Nadu government’s decision to involve authors, legal experts, and social leaders in the Commission reflects its intent to create a platform that is both legally effective and socially aware.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT:
| Aspect | Details |
| Appointed Vice-Chairperson | Imayam (V. Annamalai) |
| Chairperson | Justice S. Tamilvanan (Retired Madras High Court Judge) |
| Term Duration | 3 years |
| Other Members | S. Selvakumar, S. Ananda Raja, M. Pon Dhous, P. Ilanchezhian |
| Reappointed Member | P. Ilanchezhian |
| Legal Framework | Tamil Nadu State Commission for SC/ST Act, 2021 |
| Key Mandates | SC/ST PoA Act 1989, Civil Rights Act 1955 |
| Vice-Chair Background | Sahitya Akademi-winning author, Dalit rights advocate |
