Thu Jan 30 15:34:02 UTC 2025: ## Madurai Kattu Naicken Community Stages Indefinite Protest for ST Certificates
**Madurai, January 30, 2025** – Members of the Kattu Naicken community in Sathyamurthy Nagar, near Paravai, launched an indefinite protest outside the Madurai Collectorate on Thursday, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for their children. The protest follows a previous demonstration in November 2024, where the community initially suspended their action after receiving assurances from the district administration.
According to B. Dillibabu of the Tamil Nadu Malai Vaazh Makkal Sangam, the administration has failed to deliver on its promise. He cited a Supreme Court order mandating that children of ST certificate holders automatically receive the same certification without further scrutiny. However, officials have reportedly refused to grant certificates, claiming the applicants are not members of the community.
K. Pandiyan, a community member and CPI(M) cadre, argued that the questioning of the community’s identity is absurd, noting that cultural shifts are common among tribal groups due to technological and educational advancements. He further highlighted the urgent need to digitize community certificates, currently hindering access to higher education, government jobs, and other essential benefits requiring online verification.
Protesters vowed to continue their demonstration until their demands are met, emphasizing the critical need for their children to receive the necessary ST certificates.
First Piper 