In a major push toward equality and social harmony, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered the removal of caste-linked terms from the names of streets, neighbourhoods, water bodies, and marketplaces across the state.

The directive — issued through a Government Order (GO) by the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) Department — follows a series of inter-departmental consultations led by the Chief Secretary earlier this year with officials from the Directorate of Municipal Administration, Rural Development, and Revenue Departments.

The meetings, held on April 1 and May 19, focused on identifying and replacing names that reinforce caste distinctions or offend specific communities.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had earlier told the State Assembly that the term “colony”—commonly used in Tamil Nadu for settlements historically associated with caste-based segregation—would be gradually removed from government records.

“The word has come to represent untouchability and social exclusion,” the Chief Minister had observed.

According to the GO, all local bodies have been asked to identify names containing caste references by October 14, hold public consultations by October 17, and publish the details in district gazettes by October 24. Citizens will be allowed to file suggestions or objections before final decisions are made.

Departmental heads must submit their final recommendations to the state government by November 14, after which approved changes will be ratified by local councils and officially published by November 19.

The order emphasizes that the renaming process should be handled sensitively—if a majority of residents wish to retain an existing name, their preference will be respected.

Once new names are confirmed, updates will automatically reflect in Aadhaar cards, ration cards, caste certificates, property documents, and other records via e-seva centres.

The government has also suggested adopting names that celebrate social reformers and cultural icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Thanthai Periyar, Perarignar Anna, Kalaignar, Kamarajar, and prominent Tamil poets.

Officials said the initiative represents a decisive step toward erasing the remnants of caste discrimination embedded in public spaces and advancing Tamil Nadu’s long-standing commitment to social justice and equality.