Voices From A Brick Kiln

With the Vijaya case, Prabha realised that the Irulas were subjected to harassment by their employers as well as civic and police authorities. And unlike the Dalits who were a political and numerical force, the Irulas were on the margins. The tribe, traditionally rat- and snake-catchers, have often been featured in exotic foreign documentaries. But today, they are predominantly employed in rice mills and brick kilns in Cuddalore and Villupuram districts. Only 12 per cent of them are literate. "They are almost like bonded labourers. The work itself is dangerous and physical abuse at the workplace is rampant," says Prabha.

He soon realised the Irulas needed an organisation to take up their cause. The Pazhankudi Irular Paadukappu Sangam (PIPS) was formed in August 1996. Its primary focus is to see that the Irulas get justice, are not subject to harassment at the workplace and their lot is improved. The organisation also runs educational camps in summer and publishes a community newsletter. Their efforts have led to the setting up of a government residential school for Irula children. The organisation is also considering setting up its own kiln and running it as a cooperative.

PIPS is neither an NGO, trust nor a society. "You see, we are not interested in funds like NGOs. Many NGOs trying to work among Irulas decide beforehand what and how they would spend their funds and hence their actions are not based on the real needs of the Irulas," says Prabha who is a coordinator with PIPS. All office-bearers at PIPS are Irulas. Says Thotithoppu Su. Arumugam, the general secretary, "Earlier when we got beaten up, nobody could raise a voice. Now that we are organised, even the police are careful."

The Irulas are one of the six tribes classified as ‘primitive’. But a vexatious issue is the procurement of a community certificate. Children cannot study beyond Class viii without an ST certificate. PIPS has been intervening in such cases. Take the case of A. Kumaravel. In 2000, he was selected to a BCom course. But without an ST certificate, he could not get admission. PIPS moved the court and got a favourable order. But the officials refused to comply. Initiating suo motu action, the court finally ordered a one-day jail term for the collector and rdo for contempt of court. The collector was transferred. Today, PIPS is active in 100 villages in Cuddalore and Villupuram. Financially, it is self-reliant, each member-family paying Rs 25 as annual subscription.

Contact Sangam, 7, College Rd, Tindivanam, Tamil Nadu—604001. Tel: 04147-22970, Mobile: 09894208407