The DMK’s stance on opposing the imposition of Hindi, which it has long used for its divisive political agenda, appears to be backfiring. This became evident when an administrative recruitment advertisement requiring knowledge of Hindi went viral, attracting widespread criticism. In response to the backlash, the party withdrew the advertisement, blamed the officials responsible, and suspended them.
A Joint Director in the Tamil Nadu government’s Directorate of Child Welfare and Special Services has been suspended following an a recruitment advertisement, which listed Hindi communication skills as a qualification for the position of call responders for the women’s helpline.
Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, P. Geetha Jeevan, confirmed that departmental disciplinary action was being taken against the Joint Director. She explained that the inclusion of Hindi as a required qualification was a “mistake.”
This statement came after Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman raised concerns about the advertisement issued by the Department of Social Welfare, which sought to hire five call responders for the 181 women’s helpline. The ad had listed proficiency in Tamil, English, and Hindi as qualifications.
மும்மொழி கொள்கையைத் திணிப்பதுதான் திராவிட மாடலா?@CMOTamilnadu@mkstalin
வன்முறைக்கு இலக்காகும் பெண்களுக்கு உதவுவதற்காக அமைக்கப்படும் தனி மையத்தில் பணிபுரிய தமிழ், ஆங்கிலம், இந்தி என மும்மொழி தெரிந்த பெண்கள் மட்டுமே விண்ணப்பிக்க முடியும் என்று திமுக அரசு அறிவிப்பு… pic.twitter.com/EdDgA5j2xg
— செந்தமிழன் சீமான் (@Seeman4TN) November 4, 2024
After the issue was brought to the government’s attention, the advertisement was removed from the portal. A revised version was subsequently uploaded, specifying that the qualifications would only include communication skills in Tamil and English.
Minister Jeevan emphasized that all official communications within Tamil Nadu government departments are conducted in Tamil, and interactions with the Union government are in English. She also outlined the steps the DMK government has taken to promote the Tamil language.
In response to the controversy, Jeevan expressed frustration, stating, “It is unfortunate that some are trying to politicize the mistake of one official.” She added that there was no need for anyone to lecture the government on Tamil and that the people would not be swayed by such attempts.
(With Inputs From The Hindu)
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