Tamil Nadu to remove caste-linked names from public spaces

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has ordered the removal of caste-based references, including the term ‘colony’, from the names of roads, streets, water bodies, residential areas and markets across the state as part of efforts to promote equality and social harmony.

The directive, issued through a Government Order (GO) by the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) Department, follows high-level consultations chaired earlier this year by the Chief Secretary with departments including Municipal Administration, Rural Development and Revenue.

The meetings, held on April 1 and May 19, focused on eliminating names that reinforce caste divisions or cause offence to specific communities.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had previously told the State Assembly that the word ‘colony’, widely used to describe settlements historically linked with caste segregation, would be phased out from government usage and records.

“The word has come to symbolize untouchability and social segregation,” Stalin said.

According to the GO, all local bodies have been directed to identify and review names containing caste references by October 14 and hold public consultations before October 17. District Collectors must then publish the details in the district gazette by October 24, inviting objections and suggestions from residents.

Recommendations from departmental heads are to be submitted to the state government by November 14, with final approvals to be ratified by local body councils and published in the gazette before November 19.

Officials have been advised to handle the process sensitively. If a majority of residents in grama sabhas or area sabhas wish to retain a name, the government will respect their decision.

Once names are officially changed, the updates will be reflected in essential documents such as caste certificates, Aadhaar cards, ration cards and property records through e-seva centers.

The order also proposes using names that honor social reformers, political leaders and cultural icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Thanthai Periyar, Perarignar Anna, Kalaignar, Kamarajar and celebrated Tamil poets for public spaces.

Officials said the initiative aims to remove the vestiges of caste-based discrimination from the state’s public geography and advance Tamil Nadu’s commitment to social justice.