Job advert for ‘only Hindu’ candidates sparks outrage in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (H&CE) department’s advertisement, seeking applications only from Hindu candidates for various job vacancies in its college has sparked outrage in the state.

The advertisement, for a walk-in-interview for various teaching and non-teaching posts for Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Arts and Science College in Kolathur appeared in various publications on October 13. The advertisement stated that the posts are ‘Only for Hindus”.

The reservation of jobs for Hindus was condemned by several individuals and organizations who pointed out that denial of chances on the basis of religion is a violation of the Constitution.

“HR&CE department has 36 schools, five arts, and science colleges and a polytechnic college and this is the first time that such an advertisement has appeared stating that posts are reserved for Hindus only,” K Pandyan, former president of Association of University teachers was quoted speaking to IANS.

Further, he cited the example of Muslim Service Society Wakf Board College in Madurai which has several non-Muslim faculty members.

HR&CE Minister PK Sekar Babu was not available for comment.