Tamil Nadu

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This paper sifts certain important sources of secondary data, in its efforts to present certain broad descriptive features of the phenomenon of child labour in Tamil Nadu and its distribution across well-defined socio-economic groups classified by gender, sector-of-origin and caste, and its dispersal across space. As NSS data for 1987-88 suggest, the magnitude of child labour in Tamil Nadu appears disturbingly large, with nearly 11 children out of every 100 in the workforce. Tragically, this very large presence of orderly, systematic child labour and child illiteracy, together with their thorough dispersal across space, has rendered the phenomenon of child labour an unremarkable, everyday occurrence. The concerns of society and the state remain limited to certain specific occupations in certain specific locations, to the neglect of other occupations and locations which merit at least equal attention.

Due to a lack of political will and sensitivity, implementation of the provisions for employment reservation for dalits has been far from satisfactory. In Tamil Nadu too, dalits have suffered from the lax approach of the state towards extending reservation benefits. If this situation has to be corrected several issues need to be urgently considered, including dalits' awareness of their rights, sensitising concerned groups, and above all investing in education so that dalits can reduce their dependence on the state in the quest for social equality.

It is no secret that there is no branch of 'futurology' from which Jayalalitha, now getting ready for the Great Return, does not seek guidance, no action, votive offering or placatory ritual she will not undertake to nullify evil influences and promote good fortune. Her latest consultants are experts in vaastu, the sastra dealing with propitious planning, positioning and structuring of buildings and the like. The result has affected a certain statue in Chennai, a 40- year old landmark in the city.

The simmering feud unfolding in the state has some ugly, even dangerous portents for the future. Vengeance and vituperation are now ingrained in the political culture of the state and though the cause may be the deep political rivalry between two parties or two individuals, it is unlikely to vanish should the scenario change.