State’s Namboothiri Brahmins demands minority status

Kottayam: An outfit of Kerala's Namboothiri Brahmins has demanded minority status for them, arguing that the community, which faced a socio-economic fallout after implementation of land reforms act, is miniscule in the state.

President of the Yogakshema Sabha, Akeeramon Kalidasan Bhattathirippad, also said minority status should be calculated state-wise and not on the basis of national level assessment.

Calling for changes in reservation norms, he said it should be calculated on the basis of economic capacity of a person and the government's assistance in various forms, including reservation, are required for better living of many members of Kerala's Brahmin community.

"There should be changes in the norms for giving reservation in view of the just-released data of the Caste and Religion Census. The calculation of minority status should be state-wise. Brahmins should be given minority status," Bhattathirippad told reporters here.

He said Yogakshema Sabha will discuss all these issues at its three-day state conference scheduled from Saturday here.

"We will submit a memorandum to Central government raising various issues including minority status and reservation policy," Bhattathirippad said.

The Brahmanical outfit also voiced concern over the alleged bid by a section to project renowned reformist saint Sree Narayana Guru as a leader of a particular caste.

"Guru is equal to God. He was a reformist saint. We are concerned over the move to project Guru on the basis of caste," Bhattathirippad said about the saint who fought against caste system prevailed in the state.

Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani will inaugurate the three-day state conference of Yogakshema Sabha on September 19, he said.