SC Welfare Group Highlights Bus Service Denial in Anna Nagar, Coimbatore

The Dravida Viduthalai Kazhagam, a welfare organization in Coimbatore, has accused the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) of caste discrimination for not including a bus stop in Anna Nagar, Thondamuthur. This omission affects over 300 Scheduled Caste families who reside in the area. These residents, including students, laborers, women, and elderly individuals, are forced to walk approximately a kilometer to the nearest bus stop in Kempanur. The TNSTC had previously operated limited services following protests by the residents. However, the issue persists, with residents of Kempanur, belonging to an intermediary caste, protesting that buses from Anna Nagar often arrive with most seats occupied. The Dravida Viduthalai Kazhagam has submitted a petition to the district administration, highlighting the risks faced by Anna Nagar residents, such as potential attacks by wild animals and reptiles during their walk to the bus stop. The residents have also communicated their concerns to the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Vanni Arasu, during his recent visit to Coimbatore. The Minister has urged the district administration to address the grievance, and TNSTC authorities are reportedly aware of the issue.