NHRC seeks report from TN govt on treatment of Puthirai Vannar

National Human Rights Commission today issued a notice to Tamil Nadu government and sought a report from it over allegations of human rights violation of Puthirai Vannar community.
According to an NHRC statement, it has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, government of Tamil Nadu directing him to submit a detailed report in the matter within six weeks.
The notice was issued after the Commission took suo motu cognizance of a complaint that the members of Puthirai Vannar community in Tamil Nadu are forced to perform dehumanizing caste duties like washing of blood-stained clothes of girls attaining puberty and the mothers after delivery.

"They are also forced to wash the clothes of a dead person and their close relatives till the conclusion of last rites and similar other duties. There is no fixed time for their work. Even the remuneration is left to the whims and fancy of the dominant caste. If they refuse to perform such duties, they are subjected to abuse and physical assault and even forced eviction from the village," the statement said.
The Commission has observed that the petition raises issue of bonded labour and violation of the human right of dignity of Dalits.