The Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai and the Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi organized a Convention of the newly elected Dalit Panchayat Members, Vice- Presidents and Presidents of District and Village Panchayat of Tamil Nadu on 24 and 25 February 2007 at Mu. Va. Hall, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai.

Over 1000 Dalit, Elected representatives, NGO's representative involved in Dalit related issues participated in the convention. Political party leaders A. Nallakannu (CPI) and Thol Tirumavalavan (DPI), Tamilarasi, Minister for Adi Dravida Welfare, former and sitting MLAs from the various political parties, Vice Chancellor of Madurai University among others, addressed the gathering.

The Dalit Participants present across party lines were of the view that Tamil Nadu has to go a long way in implementing the 73rd Constitutional amendment in letter and spirit. The convention aimed at creating awareness among the Dalits about their rights and status, especially in relation to the new panchayati raj.

During the convention the participants felt that more training/workshops and awareness programmes should be organized for the Dalit panchayats. Also literature in the regional language should be provided.

Based on the discussions in the meeting, a charter of demand was adopted by the convention and was presented to the State and Central Governments for implementation.