Question : CHAKALA COMMUNITY



(a) whether the Government is aware that the Chakala Community, a community of traditional oil workers in the State of Kerala, has been reduced to a backward and an uneducated community, with no source of livelihood, due to the advent of mechanical production of coconut oil;

(b) if so, whether the Government would consider according the status of a minority to the Chakala community, to uplift them and to ensure their participation in various leadership roles and important positions;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister



MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI)

(a) The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has intimated that “Chakkala” caste has been included in the Central List of OBCs for the State of Kerala vide GOI notification dated 10-09-1993.

(b) There is no proposal for grant of minority status to Chakala community, under consideration in this Ministry.

(c) & (d) Do not arise, in view of (b) above.