Former Devadasis Call for Resurvey on Social and Financial Challenges

Speedy Summary

• Ex-Devadasis and activists from Vimukti Devadasi Mahila Vedike have demanded that the State government re-assess their families’ social and financial conditions.
• Government had conducted surveys in 1993-94 and 2007-08, but many ex-devadasis were left out. A new 45-day resurvey is planned starting September 15 to include them along with the next two generations of their families.
• Activists called for effective inclusion of two-generation family members of ex-Devadasis to ensure access to government benefits such as monthly pensions.
• There are 1,164 ex-Devadasis in the district currently receiving pensions, but activists urged additional support like vacant sites or housing under government schemes for those without homes.
• Many ex-Devadasis work solely as field laborers with no alternate income sources; they seek measures that help provide dignified living standards for their families.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The call for a resurvey by former Devadasis highlights persistent gaps in addressing marginalized communities’ needs in India’s welfare schemes. While previous surveys aimed at aiding thes women with pensions have provided some relief, advocacy groups claim omissions and inadequate implementations continue to hinder broader impacts on their economic and social upliftment. Ensuring inclusion of future generations reflects a crucial understanding – that poverty cycles need interventions not just at individual levels but across familial lines. Addressing housing demands also points toward the precarious living conditions faced by this community.This advancement amplifies discussions on state accountability towards vulnerable groups such as ex-caste-based service system beneficiaries (like Devadasis).effective execution of proposed surveys will be essential not only in delivering promised benefits but also setting precedents regarding inclusivity within governance frameworks across India.

Read more: Published – September 13, 2025