Statement of the Hon`ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Selvi J

Statement of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Selvi J Jayalalithaa for Anti-Child Labour Day
on 12.06.2016 (English Translation)
On June 12, every year, ‘Anti-Child Labour
Day’ is observed all over the world to create
awareness against the practice of child labour.
Childhood is a pleasant period for play and
learning in school. It is the duty of all of us
to liberate any child that is subjected to the
atrocity of child labour and restore the joy of
childhood and proper education.
By way of abolishing child labour totally
in Tamil Nadu, my Government has been
implementing innumerable schemes in a wellstructured way in the last 5 years.
providing free education, text books, notebooks,
school bag, uniforms, nutritious noon meal,
footwear, bus pass, bicycles and laptops so as
to give them quality education and reduce the
burden on parents.
Realising that it is ignominy for the home
and country to receive any income out of child
labour, let us send the children to schools and
give them the ever lasting wealth of education.
Let us make Tamil Nadu a child labour free
State.
We will abolish child labour! we will light
the lamp of education in their lives !
These include providing education in special
training centres after retrieving child labourers,
3
Tamilarasu
June
June 2016
2016
Publication of Information &
Public Relations Department
Thiruvalluvar Year - 2047
June 2016
Vol: 47
Rs.20/-
Issue: 12
Editor and Publisher
J. Kumaragurubaran I.A.S.,
Director of Information &
Public Relations and Ex-officio
Joint Secretary to Government
Administrative Editor
D.S. Subramaniam
“A good Government is one that
reflects the people’s feelings.
My Government is doing
just that by framing policies
to reflect people’s thoughts,
preparing schemes accordingly
and implementing them”.
Selvi J Jayalalithaa
-Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Deputy Director (Publications)
Joint Editor
S. Elango
Assistant Director
Associate Editors/Public Relations Officers
A. Maheswari
D. Deivanai
M. Dhanapal
Assistant Editors
T. Sheik Mohamed
S. Manjula
M. Mohanavalli
P. Petchi Muthu
K. Karthikeyan
Reporter
R. Balaji
A. Mathan
Senior Artist
R. Samundeeswari
Junior Proof Reader
D. Priya
Designed by
P.A. Louis
G. Murali Krishnan
Designed & Printed at :
Tamilarasu Press
Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kanagam, Taramani,
Chennai - 600 113.
Tel
: 044-2254 2221 / 2254 2224
E-mail
: [email protected]
Website :www.tndipr.gov.in
4
4
Tamilarasu
Tamilarasu
Chief Minister presents 29-point
memorandum to PrimeMinister...................... 5
Speaker, Deputy felicitated, Chief Minister sets
the tone for impartial proceedings................ 46
Chief Minister distributes books,
textbooks and stresses importance of
better schooling............................................. 61
Proactive, multipronged
package for Kuruvai...................................... 62
Amma gives boost to
Solar Energy.................................................. 78
First Wrapper
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi
Thalaivi Selvi J Jayalalithaa presenting a
Memorandum to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of
India in New Delhi on 14.06.2016.
June June
2016 2016
1. Water Resources Issues:
(a) Formation of Cauvery Management
Board and the Cauvery Water Regulation
Committee for the Implementation of the
Final Order of the Cauvery Water Disputes
Tribunal:
The Final Order of the Cauvery Water
Disputes Tribunal dated 05.02.2007, has
5
Tamilarasu
been notified by the Government of India on
19.02.2013. Tamil Nadu has been urging the
Government of India for the early formation
of the Cauvery Management Board and the
Cauvery Water Regulation Committee for
effective implementation of the Final Order of
the Tribunal.
I once again urge that the Cauvery
Management Board and the Cauvery Water
June 2016
Regulation
Committee
be
constituted
immediately.
(b) Mekedatu Scheme of Karnataka:
Government of Karnataka had called for an
Expression of Interest for construction of two
reservoirs at Mekedatu in violation of the Final
Order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.
carry out the remaining strengthening works
like, strengthening the Baby Dam and Earth
Dam, raising the upstream parapet wall of
the Main Dam by 2 ft. etc. After completion
of the remaining strengthening works to the
satisfaction of the Central Water Commission,
independent experts are to examine the safety
angle before the water level is permitted to be
I request Government of India to advise
raised to the FRL of 152 feet. This has been
Government of Karnataka not to proceed with
affirmed in the Judgment and Decree of the
the project as this would violate the Final Order
Supreme Court dated 07.05.2014.
of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.
(c) Mullai Periyar Dam – Restoration of
Water Level to FRL 152 ft.:
The Supreme Court in its Order dated
27.02.2006, while permitting the Government
of Tamil Nadu to raise the water level initially
to 142 ft. has also permitted Tamil Nadu to
6
Tamilarasu
Following these orders, my Government
has sanctioned a sum of Rs.7.85 crore for
strengthening the Baby Dam and other related
works so that water level can be restored to the
FRL of 152 feet. In this regard, Government
of Tamil Nadu has applied to the Government
of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest
June 2016
& Climate Change, for cutting 23 trees
Further, I have been urging the Government
downstream of the Baby Dam, and requested
of India to nationalise all inter-State Rivers,
Wild Life, Environment and Forest clearances
so that water resources of the Country can be
on 29.05.2015. The Government of India had
optimally utilized.
suggested that Forest clearance may be applied
after getting Wild Life and Environment
clearances which are still awaited. I request you
to instruct the concerned authorities to expedite
the necessary clearances.
(d) Inter-linking of Rivers:
(ii) Funding for Athikadavu – Avinashi
Scheme:
In 2011, my Government had announced the
implementation of the Athikadavu–Avinashi
Scheme at a cost of Rs.1,892 crore. A Detailed
Project Report was sent to the Government of
(i) Inter-linking of Peninsular Rivers:
India for funding under the Flood Management
Under the Peninsular Rivers Development
Programme. However, the UPA Government
Component, the Government of Tamil Nadu
has been urging the Government of India to
implement the interlinking of the MahanadhiGodavari-Krishna-Pennar-Palar-CauveryVaigai Rivers and further with the Gundar
River and also the diversion of surplus waters
of the west flowing Pamba and Achankovil
did not approve the Scheme. My Government,
in February, 2016, has announced that
the Athikadavu-Avinashi Scheme will be
implemented expeditiously. The cost estimates
for the Scheme are being revised and will be
submitted to Government of India for funding
at the earliest.
Rivers to Vaippar in Tamil Nadu. Based on
I request that the scheme may be considered
the Supreme Court Order dated 27.02.2012
for funding by Government of India as a special
and my persistent requests, the Government
case expeditiously.
of India constituted the Special Committee
2. Fisheries Sector:
for Interlinking of Rivers. Though the Special
Committee has held 9 meetings so far, not
much headway has been made in the matter of
(a) Protection of the Traditional Fishing
Rights of Indian Fishermen in the Palk Bay
inter-linking of rivers.
7
Tamilarasu
June 2016
and Ensuring their Safety and Security:
Ever since Katchatheevu Island, historically
Since May, 2014, there have been 73
incidents in which 1,017 Indian fishermen from
Tamil Nadu were apprehended and 178 fishing
boats were seized by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The persistence of such repeated incidents of
a part of India, was ceded to Sri Lanka as per
the Indo-Sri Lankan Agreements of 1974 and
1976, the fishermen of Tamil Nadu have been
deprived of the traditional fishing rights they
enjoyed around the island.
harassment causes great unrest amongst the
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
Fishermen Community of Tamil Nadu. I have
passed a Resolution in 1991, seeking the
written to you repeatedly urging that such
restoration of Katchatheevu Island and the
attacks on innocent Indian fishermen have to be
surrounding seas to India. A proposal was also
treated with utmost seriousness and cannot be
sent to the Government of India in 2003 to
ignored or tolerated.
examine the feasibility of getting the island of
When our fishermen, in an accommodative
frame of mind came forward to hold talks
Katchatheevu and adjacent seas on a ‘lease in
perpetuity’.
between the fishermen of both the countries,
In 2008, I had in my personal capacity filed
three rounds of talks were facilitated by the
a Writ Petition (W.P.(Civil) No.561/2008) in
Government of Tamil Nadu on 27.01.2014 in
the Supreme Court of India on this issue. The
Chennai, on 12.05.2014 in Colombo and on
Government of Tamil Nadu impleaded itself
24.03.2015 in Chennai again. In the meantime,
in the case in 2011. The Supreme Court of
the incidents have continued unabated.
India held in the Berubari case in 1960, that
As on date, there are 21 fishermen and 92
boats along with fishing gear in Sri Lankan
custody. I request the Government of India to take
strenuous efforts through diplomatic channels
to secure the release of the fishermen and boats
at the earliest. Further, the Government of India
must take all efforts to protect the traditional
fishing rights of the Indian fishermen from
Tamil Nadu in the Palk Bay area and ensure
their safety and security by restraining the
Sri Lankan Navy from harassing them.
(b)
Retrieval
of
Katchatheevu
8
Tamilarasu
another country only through a Constitutional
Amendment. However, Katchatheevu was
ceded to Sri Lanka without a Constitutional
Amendment and hence the ceding is unlawful
and not valid. The unconstitutional ceding of
the island and the fishing grounds in the vicinity
have emboldened the Sri Lankan Navy to resort
to frequent attacks on our innocent fishermen
who fish in their traditional fishing waters.
I reiterate my strong request that the
and
Restoration of Traditional Fishing Rights of
Tamil Nadu Fishermen:
any territory owned by India can be ceded to
Government of India should take steps to
abrogate the 1974 and 1976 agreements
and retrieve Katchatheevu and restore the
June 2016
traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen
is learnt that the Sri Lankan Government has
from Tamil Nadu.
taken a unilateral decision to construct a new
(c) Reconstruction of St. Anthony’s
Church at Katchatheevu after obtaining
consent of Tamil Nadu Fishermen:
St. Anthony’s Church on Katchatheevu
Island holds considerable religious significance
for the fisher folk in the coastal Districts of
Tamil Nadu. For several centuries they have
traditionally undertaken pilgrimage to the island
for the annual feast of St. Anthony. During the
last feast of St. Anthony’s, in February, 2016,
when the local priests proposed the demolition
and reconstruction of the Church, the fishermen
from Tamil Nadu indicated that as the Church
represented the joint heritage of the fishermen
communities of both India and Sri Lanka, the
reconstruction should be taken up jointly. It
9
Tamilarasu
church for St. Anthony, without consulting
fishermen from Tamil Nadu. Further there are
reports that the presence of the Sri Lankan
Navy on the Island of Katchatheevu has been
substantially stepped up. The apprehension
of the Tamil Nadu fishermen is that the
Sri Lankan Government is moving towards
further curtailing and restricting the access
that they have traditionally and historically
enjoyed to the Katchatheevu Island.This
enhanced presence of the Sri Lankan Navy on
Katchatheevu Island, visuals of which have
been beamed on television channels, has greatly
agitated and exercised not just the fishermen
community in the southern Districts of the
State, but all sections of opinion in Tamil Nadu.
June 2016
The enhanced presence of Sri Lankan Navy
The Government of Tamil Nadu should also
personnel on the Island has to be seen as a
protect the rights of the Tamil Nadu fishermen
carefully calculated and deliberate measure to
in St. Anthony’s Church in Katchatheevu and
provoke the Indian side and further complicate
prevail upon the Sri Lankan Government to
the already vexed issue, making an amicable
immediately stop its unilateral decision to
solution even more difficult. The Government
support the construction of a new church for
of India must swiftly and firmly respond
St. Anthony’s in Katchatheevu, adjacent to the
to this latest provocation. There has to be a
old church. The Sri Lankan side should also be
clear and unequivocal condemnation of the
prevailed upon to accept the construction of the
Sri Lankan move by the Ministry of External
new church jointly by India and Sri Lanka after
Affairs, accompanied by strong diplomatic
obtaining the concurrence of the Tamil Nadu
measures to prevail upon the Sri Lankan
fishermen.
Government to back down on the issue. The
Government of India must ensure that pending
the final legal decision on the issue of ceding of
Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan side
does not in any way impede the free access of
Tamil Nadu fishermen to Katchatheevu Island.
10
Tamilarasu
(d) Comprehensive Special Package for
Diversification of Fisheries:
I had, in my Memoranda dated 03.06.2014 and
07.08.2015, sought a Comprehensive Special
Package for Diversification of Fisheries at
June 2016
a cost of Rs.1,520 crore, with a recurring
component of Rs.10 crore for maintenance
dredging. No decision has been taken as yet
on this request, although the Government of
Tamil Nadu has gone ahead with the
implementation of some components of the
package in view of the urgency. The package
comprises the following components:
(i) Diversification of Bottom Trawlers into
Deep Sea Tuna Long Liners:
This would reduce the pressure of bottomtrawling boats in the Palk Bay and will cost
Rs.975 crore over three years. This issue was
discussed in a meeting convened by the Principal
Secretary to Prime Minister on 23.04.2015
with the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu and
the Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairying
and Fisheries.Based on the discussions, the
Government of Tamil Nadu has sent a detailed
proposal to Government of India for reduction
of trawling pressure in the Palk Bay on
(ii) Assistance for Mid Sea Fish Processing
Park:
Under this project, costing Rs.80 crore,
a ‘Carrier Mother Vessel’ will be stationed
mid-sea to support and supply ‘Baby Vessels’
involved in commercial fishing in the deep
seas. This will add value to the fish caught in
the deep seas and also reduce the pressure of
fishing in the shallow waters of the Palk Bay.
(iii) Reimbursement of Central Excise
Duty on High Speed Diesel (HSD) for
Mechanized Boats:
The
eligibility
requirement
for
boat
owners to be in the BPL category, and the
monthly ceiling of only 500 litres per boat
are both unworkable. Such conditions should
immediately be reviewed in order to make this
scheme beneficial to fishermen.
(iv) Motorization of Traditional Craft:
The
present
level
of
assistance
of
12.05.2015. Queries raised by the Ministry of
Rs.3 crore per year for motorization of nearly
Agriculture, Government of India have also
1,000 traditional crafts is very meagre since
been clarified by my Government. As the main
there are over 32,000 non-motorized traditional
proposal is yet to be approved, my Government
crafts in Tamil Nadu. Sanction of at least
has initiated a scheme at a cost of Rs.51.3 crore
Rs.9 crore per year would ensure that all
for the construction of new Tuna Long Liners
traditional craft can be motorized within five
and the construction of 171 Tuna Long Liners
years.
has commenced. As many more trawlers have
to be replaced, I request early sanction of the
scheme for diversification of bottom trawlers to
Tuna Long liners which has been pending with
Government of India for nearly a year.
(v) Construction of Fishing Harbour at
Mookaiyur:
The Government of India had approved the
proposal of the Government of Tamil Nadu
for the construction of a Fishing Harbour at
Mookaiyur in Ramanathapuram District at
11
Tamilarasu
June 2016
a cost of Rs.113.90 crore with 50% Central
for Construction of Fishing Harbours in
financial assistance in the Project Sanctioning
Tamil Nadu:
Committee held at New Delhi on 26.02.2016.
Under
The Administrative Sanction and the release
of the first installment of Central Assistance is
awaited.
(vi) Dredging of Fishing Harbours and
Bar Mouths:
A recurring provision of Rs.10 crore may be
sanctioned every year for dredging of harbours
and bar mouths.
The Comprehensive Special Package for
Diversification of Fisheries of Rs.1,520 crore
with a Rs.10 crore recurring component may
be approved at the earliest.
Centrally
Sponsored
Schemes,
the Government of India has sanctioned
construction
of
4
Fishing
Harbours
at
Poompuhar in Nagapattinam District and at
Colachel, Thengapattinam and Chinnamuttam
in Kanniyakumari District, at a total cost
of Rs.406.67 crore, with a Central share
of Rs.241.34 crore and State share of
Rs.165.33
crore.
The
Government
of
Tamil Nadu has released its entire share to
facilitate the early completion of the projects.
The Government of India has so far released only
Rs.107.66 crore and is yet to release the balance
of Rs. 133.68 crore. The Fishing Harbour at
(e) Non-release of Funds by Government
Chinnamuttom was completed a year ago,
of India under Centrally Sponsored Schemes
while the remaining 3 fishing harbours are very
12
Tamilarasu
June 2016
close to completion. The non-release of funds
territorial waters, will be adversely affected by
is stalling the final completion of these works.
the above guidelines.
Necessary procedural formalities including
Hence, Government of Tamil Nadu has
submission of utilization certificates have been
requested Government of India that these
completed. I request you to instruct the Ministry
guidelines may be rescinded. The Government
of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare to release
of Tamil Nadu’s stand is that:
the balance funds immediately so as to speedily
complete the projects.
(f) Rescinding the Deep Sea Fishing
Guidelines, 2014:
The Department of Animal Husbandry,
‘‘ Fishing vessels of length below 24
metres Overall Length should be defined as
coastal fishing vessels and fishing vessels of
length 24 metres OAL and above as Deep Sea
Fishing Vessels (DSFV).
Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture
‘‘ The coastal fishing vessels of length
and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India,
below 24 metres OAL owned by Indian
issued new Deep Sea Fishing Guidelines on
fishermen should be given open access in the
12th November, 2014, which mandate boats
Indian EEZ as provided for under Section 7(5)
that are above 15 metres Overall Length (OAL)
of the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf,
engaged in near shore fishing just beyond the
Exclusive Economic Zone and other Maritime
territorial waters of India, to obtain a Letter
Zones Act 1976.
Of Permission (LOP) from the Government of
‘‘ The Government of India should
India and voyage clearances from the Indian
delegate powers to regulate fishing by vessels
Coast Guard for each fishing voyage. The new
of 24 metres OAL and above to the Maritime
guidelines not only restrict the open access of
States.
our fishermen in the Exclusive Economic Zone
‘‘ No permission should be accorded to
(EEZ), but also set a dangerous precedent of
foreign fishing vessels or engagement of foreign
allowing foreign vessels of more than 15 metres
crew under the LOP mechanism or through any
Overall Length to compete with our fishermen
other mechanism to fish in India’s EEZ.
for resources which need to be conserved for
utilisation by our Nation and its citizens.
These Guidelines are extremely impractical
and will adversely affect the livelihood of our
‘‘ No joint venture or any other form of
agreement with a foreign individual or company
should be permitted for undertaking deep sea
fishing in India’s EEZ.
native fishermen. Out of the 5,500 mechanised
‘‘ The fishery resources in our EEZ should
fishing boats in Tamil Nadu, more than 80%
be protected and preserved for our artisanal
of the boats are above 15 metres OAL. These
fishing community which is now gearing up to
boats which are engaged in fishing beyond
exploit the untapped resources.
13
Tamilarasu
June 2016
‘‘ The Government of India should develop
specialized infrastructure for landing of Deep
Sea Fishing Vessels, safe berthing, reception
and handling of high value deep sea catch (like
cold chain from harvest till consumption) to
of Tamil Nadu in the list of Scheduled Tribes.
3. Power Sector:
(a) Early Commissioning of Unit II of
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP):
deliver premium quality fish to fetch premium
Unit-II of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant
value in the domestic and international markets.
has not yet been commissioned. Tamil Nadu
We request that an early decision be taken in
will be able to utilize 562 MW from the above
this matter.
plant, if it is commissioned early. I request you
(g) Inclusion of Fishermen in the List of
Scheduled Tribes
Fishermen in Tamil Nadu reside in precarious
terrain by the sea coast, have distinct customs
to issue necessary instructions to the Nuclear
Power Corporation of India Ltd., to expedite the
commissioning of Unit II of the Kudankulam
Nuclear Power Plant.
and lifestyle, and eke out a meagre livelihood
(b) Cheyyur Ultra Mega Power Project:
from their traditional occupation. Most of them
Land acquisition has already been completed
are very poor. The Government of Tamil Nadu
and environment clearance has also been
seeks the inclusion of the fishermen community
obtained for the establishment of the 4,000
14
Tamilarasu
June 2016
MW Ultra Mega Power Project at Cheyyur.
cash losses of the DISCOMs will persist during
However, the Ministry of Power has not yet
the initial period.
finalized the revised bidding documents.
Hence, it is requested that the Ministry of Power
may be suitably advised to expedite the bidding
process at the earliest.
e) The scheme offer may be kept valid
for a period of one year from the date of
the Government of India order, so that the
Government of Tamil Nadu will be in a better
(c) UDAY Scheme:
position to assess the available fiscal space
In my letter dated 23.10.2015, I have stated
after factoring in the impact of the Seventh Pay
that Government of Tamil Nadu will take over
Commission proposals.
Rs.17,500 crore of loans of TANGEDCO
In addition, I request that the requirement
initially under the proposed UDAY Scheme
of quarterly revision of tariffs to offset fuel
of the Government of India subject to the
price changes be dispensed with.
following:
In our considered view, the UDAY scheme
a) Additional borrowing towards principal
would be difficult to implement without these
repayment and interest servicing on account of
essential modifications. I request you to instruct
DISCOM debt takeover to be provided over and
the Ministry of Power to consider Tamil Nadu’s
above the normal borrowing limit, by relaxing
proposals.
the FRBM norms over a period of 15 years and
4. Reviving the Electronic Manufacturing
not be restricted to only the initial two years,
as the debt takeover would adversely affect
the fiscal deficit during the entire tenure of the
bond.
b) The State Government may be authorized
to float 15 year bonds with 5 year moratorium
and floating interest rate of not more than 20
basis points over and above the State’s latest
SLR bond rate.
c) The Government of India should provide
Hub at Sriperumbudur:
The Nokia Factory at Sriperumbudur
in Tamil Nadu was one of the largest
manufacturing facilities for mobile phones
in the world. The Government of Tamil Nadu
signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Nokia on 06.04.2005 and with
the support of the State Government, a Global
Electronic Manufacturing Hub was developed.
Unfortunately,
retrospective
amendments
25% of the taken over debt as grant similar
to tax laws brought in 2012 by the then UPA
to the assistance provided when the Financial
Government forced the Nokia plant to shut
Restructuring Programme was implemented in
down in November, 2014 causing more than
2012.
15,000 direct employees to lose their jobs. You
d) Commercial Banks should provide 50%
had announced in the Rajya Sabha in February,
cash loss financing for the next 5 years as some
2015, that the Government of India will take
15
Tamilarasu
June 2016
all necessary steps to revive the Nokia unit.
5. Compensating Tamil Nadu for the
M/s Foxconn have recently come forward to
Adverse Treatment by Fourteenth Finance
takeover and revive the plant. To enable such
Commission:
a takeover, the Government of India would
have to facilitate the defreezing of Nokia’s
assets, frozen by an order of the Delhi High
Court in an Income Tax case, by arranging
for the proceeds of the sale/lease transaction
to be paid into a separate escrow account to
meet the final tax liabilities.Such a course
of action will ensure that the existing plant is
utilized, jobs restored to thousands of persons
and production commenced immediately. Your
direct intervention is essential to ensure
that the Income Tax authorities support
the initiative of the State Government to
revive a global manufacturing facility and
restore the Electronic Manufacturing Hub
at Sriperumbudur.
The Fourteenth Finance Commission (14th
F.C.) recommended a substantial enhancement
in the share of the States in the divisible pool
of central taxes from 32% to 42%. While we
welcomed this increase in tax devolution from
the Centre to the States, Tamil Nadu was
singled out for the sharpest reduction in its
share in the divisible pool of taxes. As against
4.969% share in the divisible pool of Central
Taxes recommended by the 13th Finance
Commission, Tamil Nadu’s share came down
to 4.023% in the 14th FC recommendations.
The unbalanced formula adopted by the 14th
FC treated Tamil Nadu most adversely.
The reduction in the inter-se share of
Tamil Nadu of 19.14 % represents the biggest
loss in share amongst all States. Tamil Nadu
16
Tamilarasu
June 2016
was doubly penalized for its prudent fiscal
‘‘ Many schemes have been de-linked from
management as it has not received revenue
Central Assistance including Normal Central
deficit grants.
Assistance (based on the Modified Gadgil-
The very large drop in Tamil Nadu’s share in
the divisible pool is barely compensated by the
increase in the overall devolution pool by 10 per
Mukherjee formula), Backward Regions Grant
Fund, Hill Areas Development Programme and
Western Ghats Development Programme.
cent and Tamil Nadu’s overall share in Central
‘‘ The State’s share for 13 key programmes,
taxes has increased by just 0.1 per cent from
including National Agricultural Development
1.59 per cent to 1.69 per cent. The 14th Finance
Programme, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee
Commission has also not recommended any
Yojana, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan, National
special purpose grants and State specific grants,
Health Mission, National Livelihood Mission,
of which Tamil Nadu received Rs.4,669 crore
Smart Cities Programme, Housing for All and
during the 13th Finance Commission period.
Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS)
The loss to Tamil Nadu, due to the reduction
has been increased to at least 40 per cent.
in its share in the divisible pool and the
discontinuance of special purpose and state
specific grants is estimated at Rs.6,000 crore
per annum.
The
Central
The State being required to take on the
burden of additional expenditure on Central
Government priorities is an unfair expectation
and detracts from the States’ own expenditure
Government
has
found
priorities. In order to redress the large
numerous ways to claw back the increased
financial loss that Tamil Nadu had suffered
devolution recommended by the 14th FC and to
as a consequence of the recommendations
place additional burden on the State:-
of the Fourteenth Finance Commission, I
‘‘In the last two Union Budgets, many new
cesses and surcharges have been levied, which
reduce the shareable pool of Central Tax receipts
and thereby the devolution to States. The
conversion of Rs.4 per litre out of the specific
duty of petrol and diesel into a road cess, the
had requested a sizeable allocation to Tamil
Nadu out of the special allocation made in the
Budget for schemes to be approved by the NITI
Aayog. Based on this request, in 2015-2016
Tamil Nadu received release of Rs.552 crore.
This is meagre recompense.
replacement of wealth tax with a surcharge on
I request you to enhance the annual
income tax of 2 per cent on the super rich, levy
special grant to Tamil Nadu to Rs.2,000
of the Swachh Bharat Cess, Krishi Kalyan cess,
crore in each of the remaining four years
infrastructure cess on Excise Duty on vehicles
of the 14th Finance Commission Award
and the doubling of the Clean Environment Cess
period up to 2019-2020. We have a ready
are all examples of this retrograde approach.
shelf of large projects that could be funded
17
Tamilarasu
June 2016
out of this special allocation including
impact the proposed GST will have on the
the Comprehensive Special Package for
fiscal autonomy of States and the huge
Diversification of Fisheries, Desalination
permanent revenue loss it is likely to cause
Projects and several infrastructure projects
to a manufacturing and net exporting State
under the Vision Tamil Nadu 2023.
like Tamil Nadu.
6.
Release
of
Pending
13th
Finance
Commission Grants:
raised by us have been addressed - the
The Thirteenth Finance Commission had
recommended a grant of Rs.11,366.90 crore to
Tamil Nadu for the five year award period, which
came to an end on 31st March, 2015. Apart from
the Local Body Grants, Maintenance Grants
and State Disaster Response Fund allocations
which
amounted
to
We are happy that some of the concerns
Rs.8,537.33
crore,
Rs.2,829.57 crore was earmarked for State
Specific Needs Grant and other Grants-in-aid. Of
provision for Declared goods, which is
against the principle of harmonization has
been removed; alcoholic liquor meant for
human consumption has been kept outside
the purview of GST; and the provisions
relating to Advisory Committees for dispute
resolution have been dropped. However, a
number of concerns of Tamil Nadu still need
to be addressed including:
this, only Rs.1,805.82 crore has been released to
‘‘ GST Council as a constitutional body
Tamil Nadu. Utilization certificates have been
impinges on the legislative sovereignty of both
submitted for a further sum of Rs.522.91 crore
the Parliament and the State Legislatures and
incurred up to 31.03.2015 to the respective
completely jeopardizes the autonomy of the
Ministries and the Ministry of Finance and this
States in fiscal matters. We strongly object to
amount is yet to be released. Even on earlier
the provision for the GST Council. The existing
occasions, the Union Government had released
mechanism of the Empowered Committee of
grants towards expenditure incurred during the
State Ministers which dealt with VAT issues is
award period after the expiry of the Finance
adequate. Ideally, no statutory GST Council is
Commission’s award period. Hence, I request
required.
you to instruct the officials of the concerned
Ministries to release the balance grants towards
expenditure within the award period under the
13th Finance Commission recommendations
based on the utilisation certificates already
furnished.
7. Goods and Services Tax:
Tamil Nadu is concerned about the
18
Tamilarasu
‘‘ Furthermore, the decision making rule
and voting weightage in the proposed Council
are unacceptable. They give the Government of
India an effective veto in the GST Council and
no distinction is sought to be made amongst the
States in weightage. Hence, if at all a Council is
formed, the weightage of the vote of the Central
Government should be reduced to one-fourth
June 2016
of the total votes cast and that of the States
‘‘ It is quite clear that a manufacturing
correspondingly increased to three-fourths.
State like Tamil Nadu will permanently lose
Further, the weightage of each State’s vote
substantial revenue if GST is implemented,
should be in proportion to the representation of
due to the shift of the levy from the point of
the State in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).
origin to the point of destination and also
This is important as the changeover to GST has
due to the phasing out of Central Sales Tax
different implications for different States based
and transfer of input tax credit on inter-
on their size and reliance on own tax revenues.
State sales and inter-State stock transfers to
‘‘ Petroleum and Petroleum Products
must be kept outside GST permanently in
view of the revenue impact and the positive
environmental and social impact of high
the destination States. Due to the difficulty
effective taxation on these items.
Rs.9,270 crore for Tamil Nadu.
in fixing even nominally high revenue
neutral rates, it is expected that the extent
of revenue loss under GST would be around
‘‘ There is a need to enable the States
‘‘ Tamil Nadu reiterates the need for
to levy higher taxes on tobacco and tobacco
a constitutionally mandated independent
products on par with the Centre, as States
compensation mechanism for full (100 per
like Tamil Nadu already levy a higher rate
cent) compensation of revenue losses suffered
of tax on tobacco and tobacco products on
by the States for a period of not less than five
account of the public health concerns.
years.
19
Tamilarasu
June 2016
‘‘ In lieu of the proposed additional levy
losses. The Government of Tamil Nadu has
of 1 per cent tax on inter-State supply of
been submitting its compensation claims
goods, Tamil Nadu suggests that the origin
regularly but has not received the promised
States may be allowed to retain 4 per cent
compensation in full. We are grateful that
of the Central GST part of the inter-State
after a long delay of nearly four years, a
GST that would be leviable on inter-State
sum of Rs.2,000 crore was finally released
supply of goods and services as this would
in March, 2015 which was followed by
ensure speedy recompense for a portion of
further releases totalling Rs.2,238.35 crore
the revenue loss and will reduce the amount
during 2015-2016. However, even after these
of compensation payable. Further, as this
releases, as against the State Government’s
comes out of the CGST component, it does
claim of Rs.13,227.46 crore for the period
not affect the destination State’s revenue or
from 01.04.2007 to 31.03.2013, a sum of
cause any cascading.
only Rs.6,875.25 crore has been released by
Hence, the stand of the Government of
Tamil Nadu is that before the Constitutional
Amendment Bill on GST is taken up, the
Government of India should strive for a
Government of India. Rs.6,352.21 crore is
yet to be reimbursed by the Government of
India. We request that the entire outstanding
compensation claims of Tamil Nadu should be
broad consensus on important issues like
sanctioned and released at the earliest.
the compensation period and methodology,
9. Release of Further Assistance towards
revenue neutral rates, floor rates with bands,
Restoration and Reconstruction of Flood
commodities to be excluded from GST, the
Damages:
IGST model and clarity on dual administrative
control, so that the genuine apprehensions of
States regarding loss of fiscal autonomy and
permanent revenue loss are allayed.
of GST, the Central Sales Tax (CST) rate
was reduced from 4% to 3% with effect from
01.04.2007 and further brought down to 2%
with effect from 01.06.2008. The Government
agreed
to
implement
Tamil Nadu including Chennai city due to the
2015. The Government of Tamil Nadu had
As part of the road map for the implementation
India
caused by floods in Northern Districts of
unprecedented rainfall in November-December,
8. Central Sales Tax Compensation:
of
You are personally aware of the devastation
various
submitted two Memoranda seeking a assistance
totaling Rs.25,912.45 crore for temporary and
permanent restoration. The Government of
India has so far released only Rs.1,737.65 crore
from the National Disaster Response Fund to
Tamil Nadu.
non-revenue measures and direct release of
Although the State Government has taken up
funds to compensate the States for the revenue
extensive restoration works out of its own funds,
20
Tamilarasu
June 2016
many permanent restoration and mitigation
had been damaged due to the severe floods. We
works require further assistance from the
have received no response from Government of
Government of India. I request you to release
India on these two proposals.
further assistance to Tamil Nadu towards flood
I strongly reiterate my request to sanction a
related restoration and mitigation works.
special scheme for construction of 50,000 houses
10. Special Scheme for Construction of
at a cost of Rs.5,000 crore and for a special
Houses for the Urban Poor Residing in Water
allocation of Rs.750 crore under “Housing
Courses and Water Bodies:
for All Mission” for in-situ reconstruction of
You are personally aware that Tamil Nadu
50,000 houses which were damaged due to the
faced severe floods during December, 2015
floods.
which caused huge devastation. I had written to
11.
you on 14.12.2015, requesting urgent sanction
Bengaluru GAIL Pipeline:
of a special scheme for construction of 50,000
houses to resettle the urban poor residing in
water courses and water bodies at a cost of
Rs.5,000 crore. I had also requested a special
allocation of Rs.750 crore under “Housing
for All” Mission for in-situ re-construction of
50,000 houses in and around Chennai which
21
Tamilarasu
Realignment
of
Proposed
Kochi-
The proposed Kochi-Koottanad-MangaluruBengaluru gas pipeline project of GAIL (India)
Limited along the present proposed alignment
would cause irreparable damage to the
agricultural property of thousands of farmers
in seven Districts of Tamil Nadu.
Recent
amendments to the Right of Use under the
June 2016
Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition
Central Government is empowered to withdraw
of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, have made
the notification under Sec.93 of the Right to
farmers culpable for damages to the pipeline,
Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land
even those occurring without their knowledge.
Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement
The Government of Tamil Nadu believes that
Act, 2013 read with Sec.18 of the Petroleum
a realignment of the pipeline route along the
highways with the least harm to the people and
and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of
User in Land) Act, 1962.
the least adverse impact on agriculture would be
‘‘ Direct GAIL India Ltd not to act upon
the best way forward to implement the project.
the said Notifications pending a final view of
The Government of Tamil Nadu has already
the matter and to join the Expert Committee
constituted an Expert Committee to examine
constituted by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
the possibilities of realigning the pipeline along
‘‘ Amend the relevant provisions of the
the National Highways, and officials of GAIL
can also join this Committee, to find a mutually
acceptable solution so that the implementation
of the project can proceed without affecting the
interests of poor agriculturists.
Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition
of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962 and the Right
to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land
Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement
Act, 2013 to provide for the conduct of a Social
Under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines
Impact Assessment for acquisition under the
(Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act,
Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition
1962, the Competent Government is the Central
of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962.
Government, and I reiterate the request I had
made when I wrote to you on this issue on
08.02.2016, to intervene urgently and direct the
following actions to be taken:
‘‘ The Government of India may rescind
the Notifications S.O. 486(E) dated 05.03.2011
issued under Section 3 and all other notifications
issued subsequently under the said Section,
I request your immediate intervention to
ensure that this sensitive issue which has huge
implications for the farmers and the common
people of Tamil Nadu can be resolved through a
constructive and accommodative approach.
12. Agriculture:
(a) Solar Power in Agriculture:
S.O. 2832(E) dated 19.12.2011 under Section
In Tamil Nadu, ground water irrigates 62%
6(1) and S.O. 12 (E) dated 04.01.2012 under
of the area under irrigation. From 2013-2014,
Section 6(2) and all other Notifications issued
solar pumping systems have been provided to
before and after that date under said Section,
farmers in the State with 80% subsidy (50%
by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
under the National Agricultural Development
for the GAIL pipeline in Tamil Nadu. The
Programme (NADP) and 30% from Ministry
22
Tamilarasu
June 2016
of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)) and
proposed a special package with a total outlay
20% farmers’ contribution. So far 2,100 five HP
of Rs.3,397.80 crore including subsidy of
AC solar pumps have been installed at a total
Rs.757.95 crore (25% of the outlay) to improve
cost of Rs.90 crore. In 2016-2017, 2,100 solar
existing gardens, remove old / senile palms
pumping systems of up to 10 HP are proposed
and replant coconut seedings. The project
to be installed at a total cost of Rs.114 crore.
covers 161 lakh palms in 92,000 hectares. This
I understand that the Government of India
proposes to implement a new scheme for
promotion of Solar pump sets with Micro
Irrigation Systems with a sharing pattern of
30:65:5 (Centre:State:Farmer). The State’s share
is to be met through a loan from Nationalized
banks and NABARD’s Rural Infrastructure
Development Fund (RIDF). The debt service is
to be funded by the State through the levy of an
additional cess on electricity consumed in the
industrial and commercial sectors. This does
not appear to be a feasible option with several
regulatory issues. Hence, the Government of
India should consider retaining the sharing
pattern of Government of India 80%, State
15% and Farmers 5% for the solar pump set
scheme.
(b) Replanting and Rejuvenation of
Coconut Gardens in Tamil Nadu:
Tamil Nadu comes third in terms of area
cultivated under coconut, but stands first in
terms of production (6,917.25 Million Nuts)
and productivity (14,872 nuts/Ha). However,the
State faces challenges in maintaining the
productivity of coconut groves due to severe pest
proposal is under consideration of the Ministry
of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. As this
scheme would raise yield and increase edible
oil production the Government of India may
kindly consider early sanction of scheme for
the Rejuvenation and Replanting of Coconut
Palms in Tamil Nadu.
(c) Prime Minister’s Fasal Bima Yojana
(PMFBY):
Under the new crop insurance scheme, the
Prime Minister’s Fasal Bima Yojana(PMFBY),
as the premium under PMFBY is to be
determined on an actuarial basis, the Gross
Premium Subsidy in Tamil Nadu would increase
manifold from Rs.40 crore under National
Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) to
Rs.975 crore (GoTN share-Rs.487.5 crore &
GOI share- Rs.487.5 crore). Even though GOI
has come forward to share 50% of the premium
subsidy, GoTN has to pay the balance 50%
as its share, which would be a huge burden
to the State. I request that the sharing of the
premium subsidy should be on 75:25 basis
between Government of India and the State
Governments.
and disease attacks and senile and unproductive
While perils like landslide, hailstorm and
palms. To increase yield, coconut palms have
inundation are included as localized calamities,
to be replanted. Government of Tamil Nadu has
gale winds which affect, on an average,
23
Tamilarasu
June 2016
about 1,500 acres of crops in Tamil Nadu
during the summer have not been included
as a localized calamity. It is requested that
‘gale winds’ may be included as a localized
calamity in the PMFBY guidelines.
(d)
Extending
National
Horticulture
Mission (NHM) to all Districts:
(e)
Micro
Irrigation
Scheme
in
Tamil Nadu:
Tamil Nadu is a water stressed State and
Micro Irrigation has gained acceptance amongst
the farming community.
The Micro Irrigation Scheme is being
implemented with a Central and State sharing
In Tamil Nadu, there are seven different agro-
pattern of 60:40. Tamil Nadu is extending 100%
climatic zones suited for horticultural crops.
subsidy to the small and marginal farmers and
The National Horticultural Mission covers only
75% subsidy to other farmers to further promote
22 Districts. I request that the remaining
micro irrigation. I request you to allocate more
nine Districts may also be declared as NHM
funds to Tamil Nadu for micro irrigation so as
Districts, so that the farmers of these Districts
to cover the entire irrigable area as envisaged
will also get benefit of the NHM.
under the Vision Tamil Nadu 2023.
24
Tamilarasu
June 2016
(f) Establishment of APEDA’s Regional
Office in Tamil Nadu:
livestock production systems and capacity
building of all stakeholders.
The Agricultural and Processed Food
During the year 2014-2015 and 2015-2016,
Production Export Development Authority
the Government of India released a sum of
(APEDA) promotes the export of agricultural
Rs.12.43 crore and Rs.4.87 crore respectively.
commodities and processed food products.The
For the year 2016-2017, the State has already
State produces nearly 55.2 lakh MT of fruits,
submitted a proposal for an outlay of Rs.25.56
69.6 lakh MT of vegetables and 3.11 lakh MT
crore. The Government of India has sanctioned
of flowers annually.
only Rs.7.04 crore to Tamil Nadu.
Mango, banana, papaya, vegetables, jasmine
The Animal Husbandry sector is rapidly
and cut flowers are produced in large quantities
emerging as the largest incremental contributor
and exported worldwide.
to farm incomes in Tamil Nadu and needs to be
At present, there is no APEDA Regional
Office in Tamil Nadu. Given Tamil Nadu’s
production and export potential, the availability
of four International Airports and four major
seaports and connectivity within the State,
the establishment of a full fledged Regional
provided a further fillip. Hence, I request you to
instruct the Department of Animal Husbandry,
Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture
and Farmers’ Welfare to sanction the balance
of Rs.18.52 crore out of the proposal already
sent and also to enhance the allocation for
Office of APEDA in Tamil Nadu would greatly
Tamil Nadu under the scheme to Rs.100 crore.
facilitate exports and further encourage the
14. Public Distribution System Related
growers and exporters of the State.
Issues:
13. Increased Allocation for Tamil Nadu
(a) National Food Security Act, 2013:
under the National Livestock Mission:
Some key suggestions made by Tamil Nadu
The Government of Tamil Nadu has
to safeguard food security were not adequately
been implementing the flagship schemes of
addressed when the National Food Security Act
Distribution of Free Milch Cows and Goat
was passed.
and Sheep units to poor women in rural areas,
since 2011. The National Livestock Mission
was launched by Government of India during
2014-2015 and is being implemented in
Tamil Nadu as a complementary scheme to the
State Government’s flagship schemes to ensure
quantitative and qualitative improvement in
25
Tamilarasu
‘‘ Tamil Nadu seeks a legally binding
assurance on the issue price of food grains for
the additional assured quantity provided for
those States which are already drawing food
grains over and above the guaranteed quantity
under the Act.
Such additional quantities
should continue to be supplied to the States
June 2016
at Rs.3/- per kg. or at least at the current price
and seeding the family card data base with
applicable for Above Poverty Line families of
Aadhaar numbers. Only after this process is
Rs.8.30 per kg.
completed will it be possible to identify the
‘‘ Preferably the entire urban population
priority households under the NFSA.
should be covered as households eligible
In this context, it is essential to ensure that
for allocation of subsidized food grains.
the Public Distribution System, which functions
Alternatively, at least 75 per cent of the urban
most effectively in Tamil Nadu, and is the pride
population should be covered as in rural areas.
of the State, is not allowed to suffer in anyway
‘‘ Schedule I of the Act assures the limited
by imposing unrealistic time lines. Hence,
allocation of subsidized food grains only for a
period of 3 years from the commencement of
the Act. The guarantee of supply of subsidized
food grains with an assured level of subsidy
from the Government of India should be for a
period of at least 10 years.
I request that the Government of India should
exempt Tamil Nadu from the implementation of
NFSA, until Tamil Nadu’s legitimate concerns
about this legislation are fully addressed.
(b) Adequate Kerosene Allotment for
Tamil Nadu:
‘‘ A provision to obligate the Central
The monthly requirement of kerosene as
Government to import food in times of scarcity
per the entitlement of the family card holders
is very crucial to make this legislation truly
is 59,000 KL per month as on 30.40.2016 for
a Food Security Act. The “Provisioning of
Tamil Nadu. The allocation, which was 59,780
Funds to State Government for Short Supply of
KL of kerosene per month up to March, 2010,
Food grains Rules, 2014” are not an adequate
was reduced ten times in the last few years and
safeguard of the interests of Tamil Nadu.
now stands at just 27,060 KL which is only
‘‘ All these measures are important to
ensure that Tamil Nadu is in a position to
continue to implement the Universal Public
Distribution System in the State in its present
form without any dilution.
These issues have yet to be adequately
addressed. Further, the extended time period
up to 30.06.2016 to complete identification of
the eligible households is not a realistic time
frame. We have taken up the process of end-toend computerization of the Public Distribution
System, cleaning up the family card data base
26
Tamilarasu
46% of the State’s requirement. While increase
in LPG connections is a nation-wide trend, the
allocation of kerosene for some States has not
been reduced in the same drastic proportion as
was done in case of Tamil Nadu.
I request you to immediately restore the
kerosene allocation of the State to the required
level of 59,000 KL per month.
(c) Direct Benefit Transfer for PDS
Kerosene:
The Government of Tamil Nadu is strongly
June 2016
opposed to any move to monetize and transfer
allocation of Rs.12,379.30 crore for the scheme
in cash the subsidy element under the Public
of Modernization of State Police Forces, for
Distribution System, as the critical concern of
the five year period from 2012-2013 to 2016-
the Public Distribution System is the access
2017, which is woefully inadequate for the
and availability of commodities and not the
needs of the entire Police Force of the Country.
quantum of subsidy.
Tamil Nadu itself would require around
I request you to drop the move of Direct
Transfer of Kerosene subsidy to the bank
Rs.10,000 crore in the next few years for
modernization of its Police Force.
account of the beneficiaries and continue with
I welcome the Government of India’s
the supply of kerosene through fair price shops
decision to continue Central Assistance for the
at subsidized rates under the Public Distribution
‘Modernization of Police Force’ Scheme from
System.
this year onwards. I strongly urge that Central
15. Modernization of Police Force:
funding must be substantially enhanced to
The Tamil Nadu Police is one of the
most
professional
and
efficient
Police
Forces in the Country. The constant vigil
maintained by the Police Force has ensured
a stellar record for the State in maintaining
law and order and effectively combating
threats to internal security. The previous
UPA Government had approved an estimated
27
Tamilarasu
support the State’s effort to create a world class,
modern and efficient Police Force. I request the
Hon’ble Prime Minister to consider my earlier
requests for early release of funds under this
scheme.
I also request that Government of India may
arrange for DGS&D rates for all the equipment
to be purchased under Modernization of Police
June 2016
Force so as to enable early procurement of the
above by this State.
16. Chennai Metro Rail - Pending Project
and Policy Issues:
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited, a joint
venture of Government of India and Government
of Tamil Nadu requires support on certain key
policy issues from the Government of India:
(a)Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase II:
Metropolitan Chennai has been growing
rapidly and traffic volumes have increased
greatly. It is the intention of my Government
to promote public transport of various forms
including metro rail to ensure that the share
28
Tamilarasu
of public transportation in Chennai city is
substantially increased.
Phase I of the Chennai Metro Rail Project
which is currently under implementation, will
cover a total length of 45 Kms. The Phase I
Extension from Washermanpet to Tiruvotriyur
/ Wimco Nagar covering a further 9.51 KMs at
a cost of Rs.3,770 crore has also been recently
approved by the Government of India.
There is a need to substantially expand the
Metro Rail network in the city of Chennai
to substantially improve the share of public
transportation. A Detailed Feasibility Report
for the expansion of the Chennai Metro Rail
Project along 3 corridors – North West to South
June 2016
East; West to East; and an orbital corridor
between Government of India, Government of
at an estimated cost of Rs.44,000 crore has
Tamil Nadu and Chennai Metro Rail Limited,
already been approved by the Government of
for implementing the project, the then UPA
Tamil Nadu. The Detailed Project Report will
Government and the then DMK led State
be ready shortly.
Government had included certain clauses which
The Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase
II has been included in the Rolling Plan
for the current year for Japan International
are not in the interest of the State Government
and of the Project. These clauses do not provide
for an equitable sharing of risks and costs.
Co-operation Agency (JICA) for funding.
Clause 12.1 requires the State Government
I request you to instruct the Ministry of Urban
to bear the full cost of land and Relief &
Development and the Ministry of Finance to
Rehabilitation cost, including escalation. The
support the proposed Phase II of the Metro Rail
land acquisition cost is provided by the State
Project of Chennai to ensure that all necessary
Government as subordinate debt to CMRL.
clearances are provided expeditiously and work
This skews the capital structure of the company
can commence early.
towards higher debt. Further, while the State
(b) Merger of MRTS, Chennai with
Chennai Metro Rail Limited:
Integration of the Chennai Mass Rapid
Transit System (MRTS), a project implemented
by the Railways with the Chennai Metro Rail
is desirable and feasible as the MRTS has been
substantially funded by the Government of
Tamil Nadu. Such integration would enable
effective synergies between various modes
of public transport and increase share of
public transport. The process of approval by
Government of India may be expedited.
(c) Amendments to Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU):
The Chennai Metro Rail Project is being
implemented on a joint ownership basis between
the Government of India and Government of
Tamil Nadu. In the Tripartite Memorandum
Government has to pay Central Government
Departments for their land, State Government
land is provided free of cost. A fair solution
would be to consider land cost as equity
contribution of the Central or State Government
who are transferring the land.
As per Clause 11 of MoU, any escalation in
Project Cost and foreign exchange fluctuation
beyond the approved project completion period
has to be fully borne by the State Government.
As per Clause 12.16, cash losses have to be
borne only by the State Government. On
the other hand if there is a profit, the Central
Government would be entitled to dividend.
It is essential to have a detailed review of the
provisions of the MoU and to suitably revise
the clauses to make it more fair and equitable,
truly reflecting the spirit of joint ownership.
of Understanding (MoU) that was entered into
29
Tamilarasu
June 2016
(d) Railway lands taken by Chennai
Metro Rail on lease basis:
Chennai Metro Rail Limited has taken
Railway lands on long lease basis for
implementation of Chennai Metro Rail Project
on payment of 99% of market value for a period
of 35 years extendable for another 35 years.
In spite of payment of 99% of land value, the
surface rights have been retained by Railways,
which is very unfair. A policy view has to be
taken by Government of India. If the Railways
need the surface rights, then they should charge
only nominal / token lease rent for use of the
land for underground work. Alternatively, full
rights including surface rights should be given
to Chennai Metro Rail Limited by transferring
30
Tamilarasu
the land valued at full market value as Central
Government’s equity contribution to the project.
17. Rural Development:
(a) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
(PMGSY):
Tamil Nadu is one of the best performing
States under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak
Yojana since its inception. The State has so far
completed 6,284 road works covering a length
of 13,018 Km at a cost of Rs.2,925 crore. The
State has completed more than 90% of the works
sanctioned by Government of India. Tamil Nadu
has submitted a proposal under PMGSY Phase
X for taking up 595 road and bridge works at
an estimated cost of Rs.795.01 crore to the
Ministry of Rural Development. I request you
June 2016
to direct the Ministry of Rural Development,
under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin)
Government of India to accord early approval
(SBM-G). Over 1,600 villages have been made
for these proposals under PMGSY.
Open Defecation Free and overall sanitation
(b) Pradhan Mantri Awaas YojanaGramin (PMAY-G):
I thank you for acceding to my request and
increasing the unit cost for rural houses under
the revamped Pradhan Mantri Awaas YojanaGramin (PMAY(G)) which has replaced the
Indira Awas Yojana (IAY).
coverage increased by 10% in a single year.
Tamil Nadu has also become the pioneer in the
implementation of Solid Waste Management
activities in the rural areas in convergence with
MGNREGS. “Thooimai Kaavalars” (Protectors
of Cleanliness) who are MGNREGS Workers
are engaged in 9,000 Village Panchayats for
door to door collection, segregation and safe
In each successive year the allocation of
disposal of waste, which has helped keep
houses under the erstwhile Indira Awaas Yojana
villages clean and tidy. I am happy to note
(IAY) for Tamil Nadu was considerably reduced
that Government of India is taking efforts to
– from 1,00,553 houses in 2011-2012 to 45,000
replicate the Tamil Nadu Model in other States.
houses in 2015-2016. As per available data,
Tamil Nadu has 21.83 lakh kutcha houses in
rural areas. In addition, Tamil Nadu has been
affected by the various natural calamities like
cyclone and floods regularly. So, there is a huge
demand from the rural poor to have protected
shelter.
The overall requirement of Central Share for
2015-2016 under SBM(G) was Rs.298.19 crore.
However, the Government of India released
only Rs.78.94 crore during 2015-2016 leaving
a balance of Rs.219.25 crore, which is yet to
be released. For 2016-2017, it is proposed to
take up 7.66 lakh IHHLs under SBM(G) for
To achieve the goal of Housing for All by
which the total requirement of Central Share
2022, I request that under the PMAY(G), two
is Rs.593.19 crore. Only Rs.210.42 crore was
lakh houses may be allotted for Tamil Nadu
released during April, 2016 for 2016-2017 by
from the year 2016-2017 onwards. I request
Government of India. Hence, an amount of
you to appropriately direct the Ministry of
Rs. 602.02 crore, inclusive of previous year’s
Rural Development.
balance is required from the Government of
India as Central Share during 2016-2017. Any
(c) Rural Sanitation:
Tamil
Nadu
has
achieved
the
best
performance in the Sanitation sector during
2015-2016, with the construction of 9.48 lakh
Individual Household Toilets (IHHL), out of
which 6.35 lakh IHHLs have been constructed
31
Tamilarasu
delay in the release of funds will adversely
affect the success of the sanitation programmes.
I request you to direct the Ministry of Drinking
Water and Sanitation to speedily release the
required funds.
June 2016
(d)
Funding
under
National
Rural
Livelihoods Mission for Tamil Nadu:
Tamil
Nadu
State
Rural
Livelihoods
Mission (TNSRLM) is being implemented by
Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development
of Women (TNCDW) in 31 Districts except
Chennai. Out of 385 blocks, 120 blocks are
covered under the Pudhu Vaazhvu Project
funded by the World Bank and the TNSRLM
is being implemented in the remaining 265
blocks.
A detailed State Perspective Implementation
Plan for TNSRLM has been prepared covering
265 blocks in the State at an estimated outlay of
Rs.3,297 crore and submitted to Government of
India. However, the Government of India had
sanctioned funds only for 60 blocks. So far a
sum of Rs.564 crore had been received in the
past four years. To ensure equitable economic
and social development across the State, the
Government of Tamil Nadu strongly feels that it
is necessary to implement the Rural Livelihoods
Mission in the remaining 205 blocks also.
I strongly urge the Government of India to
extend financial support to cover the remaining
205 blocks without insisting on poverty index
in India. There are more than 500 Dyeing
Units located in Tiruppur. 18 Common Effluent
Treatment
Plants
have
been
established
to achieve zero liquid discharge from the
processing plants.
My Government had
sanctioned grant of Rs.112 crore and interest
free loan of Rs.203.290 crore to these 18
Common Effluent Treatment Plants to enable
the plants to function effectively, meeting their
debt service obligations. Government of India
has so far released Rs.187.50 crore as subsidy.
However, these Common Effluent Treatment
Plants are still not fully functional due to lack
of crucial further financial support.
Bank
loans of Rs.519.45 crore availed by these Units
have become Non Performing Assets. In my
Memorandum dated 07.08.2015, I had requested
for release of Rs.200 crore for completion of
these Common Effluent Treatment Plants in
Tiruppur as the State Government has already
extended huge financial assistance from its
limited resources.
I reiterate my request that an additional
grant of Rs.200 crore may be immediately
sanctioned to the Common Effluent Treatment
Plants in Tiruppur.
ratio to enable replication of a successful
(b) Release of pending grants under
inclusion and empowerment programme across
Textile Upgradation Funds Scheme (TUFS):
the State.
18. Textile Sector:
Under the revised restructured TUF Scheme,
a large number of textile mills in Tamil Nadu
(a) Additional grant for completion of
have not yet been provided with the subsidy to
Common Effluent Treatment Plants in
which they are eligible. A total amount of about
Tiruppur:
Rs.1,500 crore is yet to be released under TUFS
Tiruppur is the largest Textile Export Cluster
32
Tamilarasu
to entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu. I request you
June 2016
to direct the Ministry of Textiles to expedite the
Power Plant is an essential component of the
release of this subsidy.
proposal and very critical to make the projects
(c) Sanction of Funds under Integrated
Processing Development Scheme (IPDS):
About 1900 Textile, Dyeing and Bleaching
Units are located 17 clusters in Erode, Salem,
Karur and Namakkal Districts along the river
Cauvery. In order to prevent further pollution
and also to attain Zero Liquid Discharge,
I announced a Scheme for the rehabilitation of
these Units. 5 Diagnostic Study and Feasibility
Reports have been sent to Government of India
for in-principle approval. The Detailed Project
Report for the Kadayampatti Cluster has also
viable is not being permitted by the Ministry
of Textiles. I request you to intervene in the
matter and instruct the Ministry of Textiles to
accord in principle approvals for the 5 clusters;
accord sanction of funds to the Kadayampatti
cluster and permit inclusion of Captive Power
Plants as a component of the Common Effluent
Treatment Plants under the IPD Scheme.
(d) Release of Government of India share
under Marketing Incentive Component
of
National
Handloom
Development
Programme:
been sent to Ministry of Textiles for sanction
The Government of India’s share of the
of Rs.75 crore as Government of India share
Marketing Incentive Component of the National
under IPD Scheme. The State Government
Handloom Development Programme for 2014-
has intimated its willingness to bear its share
2015 and 2015-2016 totalling Rs 85.38 crore
of the cost for these projects.
may be released to Tamil Nadu immediately.
33
Tamilarasu
A Captive
June 2016
19. Health:
(a) National Eligibility cum Entrance Test
(NEET):
The Government of Tamil Nadu has
taken a number of steps, starting from
2005, towards systematizing the admission
process to medical colleges, and after careful
consideration, abolished entrance examinations
for professional Undergraduate courses in the
State, by enacting the Tamil Nadu Admission in
Professional Educational Institutions Act, 2006.
This Act was given effect to after receiving the
assent of the President under Article 254(2) of
the Constitution. This Act has been upheld by a
decision of the Division Bench of the Madras
High Court which was affirmed by the Apex
Court.
This measure was taken keeping in view
the interests of students, particularly from the
weaker sections and rural areas, to ensure that a
level playing field is created. The introduction
of NEET would be a direct infringement on
the rights of the State and would cause grave
injustice to the students of Tamil Nadu who
are already covered by a fair and transparent
admission policy which has been working well.
My Government has taken the consistent stand
For admission to Post graduate courses, the
Government of Tamil Nadu gives preference
to those who have served in rural areas, with
special weightage for those working in hilly
and tribal areas. The State Government has also
successfully obtained and enforced bonds from
those completing Post graduate education in
Government Medical Colleges to serve the State
Government for a minimum period, which has
helped us to meet the need for specialist medical
human resources in Government Hospitals.
The introduction of NEET would nullify the
implementation of these policy initiatives and
socio-economic objectives of the State, as the
regulations for a National Test would not have
such enabling provisions. The National Test is
out of tune with the prevailing socio-economic
milieu and administrative requirements of
Tamil Nadu.
The promulgation of an Ordinance providing
for exemption from the National Eligibility cum
Entrance Test (NEET) for this academic year
(2016-2017) in respect of State Government
seats (whether in a Government medical
college or in a private medical college) at the
Under graduate level has temporarily addressed
a part of the issue.
that rural students and students from poorer
I request you to permit Tamil Nadu through
socio-economic backgrounds will be unable to
appropriate legislative intervention to continue
compete with urban elite students in Common
its existing fair and transparent system of
Entrance Examinations. Rural students will be
admission to medical colleges and dental
put to great disadvantage because they lack the
colleges in State at the Under graduate and Post
resources to enroll in coaching institutes and
graduate levels on a permanent basis and not be
access materials available to urban students.
forced to implement the NEET.
34
Tamilarasu
June 2016
(b) Government of India Funding for
April, 2015 and inspected all the five sites
Increase of 345 MBBS Seats in Government
proposed by the State Government at Sengipatti
Medical Colleges:
in Thanjavur District, Thoppur in Madurai
Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of
“Upgradation of existing State Government/
Central Government Medical Colleges to
District, Pudukkottai Town in Pudukkottai
District, Perundurai in Erode District and
Chengalpattu in Kancheepuram District and
increase MBBS seats in the Country”, the
submitted its report to the Government of India.
Government of Tamil Nadu has sent proposals
The final decision on the location may be
to Government of India on 27.12.2014
expedited and the necessary financial sanction
seeking an additional
accorded by Government of India without
345 MBBS seats
in four Government Medical Colleges at
further delay.
Kanniyakumari, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli and
20. Urban Development:
Madurai. The cost of the proposal is Rs.451.60
crore including a Central share of Rs.290 crore.
Though the scheme was approved in the
Empowered Committee meeting headed by
Secretary to Government of India, Department
of Health and Family Welfare, held on
29.12.2014, so far only a sum of Rs.9.50 crore
has been released by the Government of India.
Government of India should release the
entire balance amount of Rs.280.30 crore in
one lumpsum to enable the State Government
to put in place the necessary facilities for the
additional 345 MBBS seats in the above four
Medical Colleges from the academic year
2017-2018.
(c) Setting up of AIIMS in Tamil Nadu:
The proposal to establish an AIIMS in
Tamil Nadu, which was announced in the
Union Budget 2015-2016, is yet to be approved
by Government of India although a Central
Team visited Tamil Nadu as early as 23rd-25th
35
Tamilarasu
(a) Inclusion of Four More Municipalities
under Atal
Mission for Rejuvenation and
Urban Transformation (AMRUT):
32 Cities / Towns in Tamil Nadu originally
qualified for inclusion under the Atal Mission
for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
(AMRUT).
Subsequently, the Government of India
in May, 2015 had requested to identify such
Urban Local Bodies whose population as
per the Census 2011 was less than one lakh
but has increased beyond one lakh before
31.12.2014 because of newly added areas. The
Municipalities of Karur, Villupuram and
Namakkal qualify under this criterion.
Udhagamandalam (Ooty), one of the most
popular tourist destinations in the country, is
a Municipality with a population of 88,422
(2011 census) and has a floating population of
50,000 per day. It is eligible to be included in
the AMRUT.
June 2016
The Government of India may therefore
which as per the guidelines of the National
consider inclusion of the four towns of
Rural Drinking Water Programme the State
Karur,
share amounts to Rs.1,340.94 crore.
Villupuram,
Namakkal
and
Udhagamandalam under the Atal Mission
for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
(AMRUT).
Complete Drinking Water Projects taken
up under National Rural Drinking Water
Programme (NRDWP):
to provide piped water supply to all rural
habitations. To fulfill this objective, a large
number of works have been taken up under the
National Rural Drinking Water Program
(NRDWP).
In the Annual Action Plan for 2015-2016
under the National Rural Drinking Water
Program, 99 projects including 79 Combined
Schemes
(CWSS)
have
been approved by the State Level Scheme
Sanctioning Committee.
Under NRDWP,
funds to the tune of Rs.2,405.18 crore are
required to complete the projects, out of
36
Tamilarasu
The Government of India may therefore
provide a special assistance of Rs.926.23 crore
to enable speedy completion of the said projects,
benefiting the rural population of Tamil Nadu.
The Government of Tamil Nadu is committed
Supply
Rs.1,064.24 crore, against which only a sum
of Rs.138.01 crore has been allocated.
(b) One Time Financial Assistance to
Water
Government of India’s share works out to
(c) Release of Second Instalment of Funds
for Water Supply and Sewerage Projects
taken up under Urban Infrastructure
Development Scheme for Small and Medium
Towns (UIDSSMT):
Under
the
Urban
Infrastructure
Development Scheme for Small and Medium
Towns (UIDSSMT), a sub mission of the
erstwhile Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban
Renewal Mission (JNNURM), core urban
infrastructure development projects including
water supply were taken up. Government of
India informed that projects with more than
50% physical and financial progress as on 31st
June 2016
March, 2014, will be funded under AMRUT till
31st March 2017.
Water Supply projects for Cumbum and
Vellakoil and an Under Ground Sewerage
Scheme for Nagercoil were taken up under
UIDSSMT and are eligible for the second
installment of funds under AMRUT. Utilization
certificates for Government of India’s share
of Rs.37.42 crore have been furnished to
Government of India on 20.03.2014, seeking
the release of the second instalment of funds.
The Government of India is yet to release funds.
21.School Education:
(a) Release of 13th Finance Commission
Elementary Education Grant:
As per the 13th Finance Commission’s
recommendations, Tamil Nadu was eligible for
a grant of Rs.164 crore in 2014-2015. As the
Government of India did not release the full share
of the approved budget for 2012-2013 for Sarva
Shiksha Abhiyaan, the requisite expenditure
growth did not take place in that year, and the
13th Finance Commission recommended grant
was not released. The withholding of release of
I request you to instruct the Ministry of
the 13th Finance Commission Grant for 2014-
Urban Development to release the eligible
2015 due to this shortfall has imposed a double
sum of Rs.37.42 crore for these 3 projects.
jeopardy on the State Government, which has
suffered short release of funds by GoI both
37
Tamilarasu
June 2016
under SSA and the 13th FC grants. Therefore,
is Rs.97.05 crore which has been entirely
Rs.164 crore recommended by the 13th FC must
sanctioned and released to private schools by the
be released to GoTN.
State Government. The same was proposed for
(b) Release of Grants under Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyaan:
Under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan, for the
year 2015-2016, the Project Approval Board
(PAB) of the Ministry of Human Resources
Development had approved an outlay of
Rs.2,329.15 crore with a Government of India
share (60%) of Rs.1,397.49 crore. However,
the actual release was only Rs.821.11 crore,
resulting in a shortfall of Rs.576.37 crore,
despite the State having submitted all necessary
documentation well in time and having met all
its commitments and performance parameters.
This shortfall is unfortunate, as SSA expenditure
has earmarked funding through the Education
Cess which is not even shared with States as
part of tax devolution. I request that balance
amount of Rs.576.37 crore due to Tamil Nadu
for 2015-2016 under SSA be released at the
earliest.
(c) Right to Education (RTE) Act
Implementation:
Tamil Nadu has implemented the RTE Act
2009 in right earnest, especially the provision
relating to reserving 25% seats in private
schools for children from weaker sections and
disadvantaged groups. 44,905 students in 20132014 and 1,23,439 students in 2014-2015 were
admitted to private schools under Section 12(1)
(c) of the RTE Act 2009. The reimbursement
due to private schools for these admissions
38
Tamilarasu
inclusion in the SSA Budget of Tamil Nadu for
2016-2017. However, only Rs.18 lakh has been
approved by the MHRD for reimbursement.
Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act 2009 clearly
mandates that where the schools provide preschool education, admissions have to be made
at pre-school level itself. Section 7 of the Act
further provides that the Central and State
Governments have concurrent responsibility to
provide funds to carry out the provisions of the
Act. Thus, the action of the Ministry of Human
Resources Development to place entire burden
of reimbursement of fees for 2013-2014 and
2014-2015 on the State Government is contrary
to law. The State Government is being penalized
for implementing the RTE Act in letter and
spirit. The amount already reimbursed by
Government of Tamil Nadu to private schools
may be included in full in the SSA Budget and
released to the State at the earliest.
22. Post Matric Scholarships for Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes – Release of
Funds:
Tamil Nadu is implementing the Centrally
Sponsored Scheme of Post Matric Scholarship
for students belonging to the Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes pursuing higher studies
in recognized institutions. Under this scheme,
100 per cent Central Assistance is provided to
all States/UTs beyond the committed liability.
In the three financial years, 2013-2014, 2014June 2016
2015 and 2015-2016, the Government of
Empowerment to release the entire pending
Tamil
totaling
Central share of Rs.1,167.69 crore due to
Rs.2,551.38 crore for both the categories. As
Tamil Nadu under the Post Matric Scholarship
against this claim, only Rs.1,314.24 crore was
Scheme for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
released by the Government of India leaving a
Tribes.
balance of Rs.1,167.69 crore.
23. Information Technology:
Nadu
has
filed
claims
While the Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment has admitted Tamil Nadu’s
claims, funds have not been released due to
insufficient budgetary allocations. Timely
release of scholarships is very essential to keep
the students, most of whom are from very poor
families, adequately motivated to pursue their
studies. Given the importance and sensitivity
of this scheme, I request that the Ministry of
Finance may be directed to provide adequate
funds to the Ministry of Social Justice and
39
Tamilarasu
(a) Approval of Project for Implementation
of State led model of Bharat Net in Tamil
Nadu:
I had announced that high quality, low
cost broadband and other internet services
will be provided to Village Panchayats to be
linked under the Bharat Net Scheme. The
Government of India has also accepted the
Government of Tamil Nadu’s proposal of a
State-led model for Bharat Net. Accordingly,
a Detailed Project Report was prepared and
June 2016
sent to Department of Telecommunication,
last year inflicted enormous losses on MSMEs
Ministry of Communications and IT, on
- damaging plant and machinery, buildings
04.02.2016 seeking funding of Rs. 4,628
and stocks of raw materials and finished
crore from Universal Service Obligation Fund
products. At the Government of Tamil Nadu’s
(USOF) for implementing the project through
request, the State Level Bankers Committee
a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). I request you
(SLBC) of Tamil Nadu on 14.12.2015,
to direct the Ministry of Communications and
after due consideration of the extraordinary
Information Technology to grant approval for
circumstances, devised a package similar to
the project at the earliest.
the package adopted for MSMEs affected
(b) Grant of Digital Addressable System
(DAS) License to Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable
TV (TACTV) Corporation Ltd.:
Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV (TACTV)
Corporation was revived by my Government for
providing Cable TV Services at an affordable
cost to the public. TACTV has already submitted
its application for grant of Digital Addressable
System (DAS) License to GOI on 05.07.2012
and 23.11.2012. These applications are still
pending with the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting. The deliberate non-issuance of
DAS licence to the State Government owned
during floods of 2014 in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, the Reserve Bank of India curtailed
the package recommended by the SLBC. The
issue could not be addressed over the last three
months in view of the operation of the Model
Code of Conduct for the Tamil Nadu Legislative
Assembly Elections. The Ministry of Finance
may be instructed to advise RBI to reconsider
its views and accept the recommendations of
the Tamil Nadu SLBC held on 14.12.2015.
(b) Modification of National Disaster
Response Fund (NDRF) Guidelines to make
MSMEs Eligible for Relief:
Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation by
MSMEs are a very important sector in
the previous UPA Government was only to
Tamil Nadu, with the State having the largest
facilitate particular private business interests.
number of such units in the country. The existing
Since then several representations and letters
norms of the National Disaster Response Fund
have been sent to Government of India
but
(NDRF) provide for relief for loss of human life,
the license is yet to be issued. I request you to
crops, cattle, dwelling units etc. However, there
expedite the issue of DAS license to TACTV.
is no provision for compensation to MSMEs
24. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises:
on account of damages suffered during natural
(a)
Special Relief Package for MSME
Sector:
As you are aware, the torrential rains and the
calamities. This anomaly needs immediate
rectification. I request that NDRF norms may
be suitably revised and relief provided to flood
affected MSMEs in Tamil Nadu.
consequent flooding in the area around Chennai
40
Tamilarasu
June 2016
Further, an appropriate area based insurance
State Government equity holding, to establish
scheme with reasonable premia rates may also
and manage innovative financing vehicles
be considered for MSME units.
under SEBI regulations.
25. Investment by National Infrastructure
The Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Fund (TNIF)
Investment Fund (NIIF) in Tamil Nadu
is the first of the Innovative Finance Vehicles
Infrastructure Fund:
(IFV) to be established. TNIF has been
I had launched the Vision Tamil Nadu
2023 which envisages an investment of
Rs.15 lakh crore in infrastructure in the State.
Investment of this order requires the tapping
of several innovative financing mechanisms.
Accordingly, Tamil Nadu became the first State
to promote an Asset Management Company, the
Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Fund Management
approved by SEBI as a Category (I) Alternative
Investment Fund (AIF). As required under
SEBI Regulations, TNIFMC will be the
Asset Management Company for the Fund.
Eminent professionals have joined the Board
and Investment Committee of TNIFMC to
ensure professionalism and independence in
investment decisions.
Corporation Ltd (TNIFMC) with a 26 per cent
41
Tamilarasu
June 2016
The National Infrastructure Investment Fund
of democratic decentralization, which is integral
(NIIF), which has been set up with the same
to the survival of the Tamils in Sri Lanka, is
objective, is inter alia mandated to fund other
expedited. This should eventually lead to the
AIFs. TNIF has made an application to NIIF
Tamils of Sri Lanka realising their legitimate
for an investment commitment Rs.2,000 crore.
aspirations. I hope that the Government
Indian Infrastructure Finance Corporation
of India, as a leader in the region and as a
Limited (IIFCL), the Investment Advisors
champion of human rights and democracy, will
to NIIF, have evaluated and recommended
decisively take a bold stand in support of the
investment in TNIF to the NIIF Board, where it
much discriminated against and long suffering
is under consideration.
Tamil minorities in Sri Lanka.
I request you to instruct the Ministry
I urge the Government of India to take
of Finance to expeditiously approve the
necessary measures to bring to book those in
application, considering the strong merits of
Sri Lanka who had perpetrated the genocide on
TNIF’s proposal. It may be noted that TNIF is
innocent Tamils in Sri Lanka. Government of
the only Infrastructure AIF promoted by a State
India should take the initiative in this regard in
Government and an investment in the Fund
appropriate international fora like the United
would also help NIIF to realise its objectives.
Nations Human Rights Council.
26. Sri Lankan Tamils Issue:
India has a commitment to protect the
Dual Citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamil
Refugees:
life and liberties of the Tamils in Sri Lanka,
There are a sizeable number of Sri Lankan
whose distinct identity and cultural presence in
Tamils who have been residing in Tamil Nadu
Sri Lanka, particularly in the Northern and
as refugees both within and outside refugee
Eastern regions, was the guiding principle
camps. The Government of Tamil Nadu urges
behind the Indo Sri Lankan accord that
the Government of India to permit such refugees
led to 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan
to hold dual citizenship of both India and
Constitution. The process of securing the right
Sri Lanka so that they could take up employment
to self determination, through the devolvement
and business in India without any hindrance.
of democratic decentralisation by the 13th
27. Restoring Scheduled Caste Status of
Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka,
should be the spring board for Sri Lankan
Tamils to eventually realise the aspiration of
Tamil Eelam.
I strongly urge the Government of India to
take all possible steps to ensure that the process
42
Tamilarasu
Scheduled Caste Converts:
Eversince 1995, I have been taking up
with the Government of India the inclusion of
Scheduled Caste converts to other religions in
the list of Scheduled Castes through an Act of
June 2016
Parliament as provided for in Article 341 of the
“Sangam era” and this 2,000 year old traditional
Constitution.
sport finds a mention in the ancient Tamil text
I once again request the Government of
India to initiate the necessary statutory steps
to include all Scheduled Castes irrespective of
religion within the ambit List of the Scheduled
Castes under the Constitution (Scheduled
Castes) Order, 1950. I also urge you to bring
in the necessary Legislation to this effect in the
ensuing session of Parliament.
28. Lifting the Ban on Jallikattu:
Jallikattu, a traditional sporting event of
Tamil Nadu, is conducted as a part of the
Pongal festivities in which bulls that are reared
exclusively for this event are tamed by able
bodied youth. Jallikattu is deeply ingrained
as part of the cultural tradition of Tamil Nadu
as a sport popular among warriors since the
43
Tamilarasu
“Silapathigaram”. It is inextricably linked
to rural, agrarian customs and has religious
significance, with families donating bulls to
temples in fulfillment of vows. Jallikattu also
addresses the cause of conservation of native
germplasm since bulls with excellent physical
attributes are reared.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India by a
judgment dated 07.05.2014 banned the conduct
of Jallikattu in the State of Tamil Nadu and also
held that bulls cannot be used as performing
animals either for Jallikattu events or for
bullock cart races in the States of Tamil Nadu,
Maharashtra or elsewhere in the country. The ban
on Jallikattu has caused widespread resentment
and general disappointment among the people
June 2016
of Tamil Nadu, particularly in the rural areas,
I also reiterate my earlier suggested
since Jallikattu is intertwined with the religious
measures which would eventually pave the way
and social cultural ethos of Tamil society. In
for conducting Jallikattu events in Tamil Nadu:
January, 2015, the Government of Tamil Nadu
(i) The Ministry of Environment and Forests,
had requested your personal intervention to
enable the conduct of Jallikattu events in
Tamil Nadu by denotifying bulls from the list
of performing animals from the Notification
dated 11th July, 2011, issued by the Ministry of
Environment and Forests, Government of India.
In my memorandum presented on 07.08.2015,
I had requested you to lift the ban on Jallikattu.
In December, 2015, I had again requested the
promulgation of an Ordinance, to enable the
holding of Jallikattu during Pongal Festival.
Based on the request, the Government of
India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climatic Changes had issued a Notification
Government of India should denotify bulls as
‘performing animals’ from the Notification
GSR 528(E) dated 11.07.2011 of the Ministry
of Environment and Forests, Government of
India.
(ii) Suitably amend Section 11(3) of the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 by
introducing a new clause ‘f’ in sub-section (3) of
Section 11 specifically exempting Jallikattu in
addition to other exemptions already provided
in the Act.
29. Tamil as an Official Language and Use of
Tamil in the High Court:
No.G.S.R.13 (E) on 07.01.2016, but the
The long pending demand of the people
Supreme Court of India issued an interim stay
of Tamil Nadu is to make the ancient
on 12.01.2016 on the notification and as a
Tamil language an official language of the
result Jallikattu could not be conducted during
Government of India. Tamil Nadu strongly
Pongal 2016 for a second year in succession.
urges the Government of India that all the
On 12.01.2016, I strongly reiterated my
languages included in the Eighth Schedule of
earlier requests to the Government of India to
the Constitution of India be declared as official
promulgate an Ordinance to enable the conduct
languages of the Government of India.
of Jallikattu.
There has been a long standing request of the
The Government of Tamil Nadu has filed a
people of Tamil Nadu regarding the language
common counter affidavit before the Supreme
to be used in the High Court. I had already
Court of India on 08.03.2016 indicating the
requested the Government of India to take up
historical, cultural and religious significance for
the matter again with the Hon’ble Supreme
the conduct of Jallikattu and the next hearing
Court to enable the use of Tamil in the High
of this case is on 26th July, 2016. I request that
Court of Madras. I reiterate the request.
the Government of India to strongly support the
Government of Tamil Nadu’s stand.
44
Tamilarasu
June 2016
The
Amma Master Health Check-up
Centre, launched by Hon’ble Chief Minister of
Tamil
Nadu
Puratchi
Thalaivi
Selvi
J
Jayalalithaa on March 1, 2016 at the General
Hospital at a cost of Rs.10 crore, offers lab
The check up
facility is available at 3
levels – Amma Gold Scheme where the
charge is Rs.1,000/-, Amma Diamond Scheme
(Rs.2,000/-) and Amma Platinum Scheme
(Rs.3,000/-)
against
Rs.10,000/-
facilities on par with private hospitals but at
charged in private laboratories.
affordable prices. It has so far attended to 3,673
The Centre on 7,000 sq.ft
usually
is fully air-
persons. On an average, the Centre attracts 50
conditioned, is fully equipped with modern
persons a day.
equipment and has a team of more than 25
The tests carried out at this Centre included
whole blood test, cholestrol, liver, x-ray,
mammography scan, Scan Abdomen, Dexa
scan ECG, Echo, thyroid tests, kidney, Pap
smear and diabetes.
45
Tamilarasu
staff including well-trained doctors and lab
technicians. It is a boon to the general public
who have so far been spending heavily on the
tests. They convey their heartfelt gratitude to
the Hon’ble Chief Minister for setting up this
master health check up centre.
June 2016
Speech of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Selvi J Jayalalithaa in the
15th Legislative Assembly
of Tamil Nadu on 03.06.2016, felicitating the
newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker (English Translation)
Hon’ble Speaker,
The Legislature is a sign that democracy is
thriving in a country. The Tamil Nadu Legislative
Assembly is a forum fostering democracy. You
have not only been elected unanimously as
the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly but
46
Tamilarasu
you have been elected so consecutively for the
second time. I am extremely happy about this.
You have the honour of being the first Speaker
of a duly constituted Tamil Nadu Legislative
Assembly elected unanimously for the second
successive term. Hence, I am doubly happy.
June 2016
Likewise, the honour of becoming the ruling
extent to which you provided opportunities to
party for a second successive term after 1984
the opposition parties to speak, and the extent
has come to the AIADMK headed by me.
of your compassion towards Members and the
“In a democratic country, the ruling and the
opposition parties are two sides of the same
coin. The coin will turn into a bad coin if one
side is intact but the other is disfigured” - so
said Perarignar Anna. The AIADMK party is
named after Anna; it carries Anna’s figure in
its flag. As such, in line with Anna’s policy,
discipline you enforced. I can also see how
you protected the dignity of the House and the
safety of Members. In sum, ‘neutrality’ was
the maxim (“Tharaka mantram”) that governed
all your activities in the past. I have no doubt
that in future too, you will be neutral without
getting tilted to any one side.
we will extend our full co-operation for the
Thiru. J. Sivashanmugam Pillai, who served
maintenance of democratic norms as shown by
this House as Speaker followed the footsteps
Puratchi Thalaivar MGR. At the same time, I
of Thiru. Vithalbhai Patel. Though a staunch
request the opposition parties to offer, realising
Congressman, he was an example as to how far
their duty and responsibility, constructive ideas
one could function impartially after becoming
beneficial to the people.
the Speaker. Thiru. J. Sivashanmugam Pillai
If we turn the pages of this Assembly’s
history, we can learn to what glorious heights
conducted the House strictly adhering fully to
its rules and traditions.
it has risen. Persons like Thiru. Bulusu
Like him, Dr.U. Krishna Rao also added
Sambamoorthy, Thiru. J. Sivashanmugam Pillai,
glory to this House. I have heard that he had
Thiru. N. Gopala Menon, Dr. U. Krishna Rao,
the capacity to bring down tempers by cracking
Thiru. S.Chellapandian and Dr. K. Kalimuthu
jokes whenever the debate became heated. His
have rendered great service to enhance the
approach was simple.
prestige of this House.
For a person to shine as
a Speaker, he
When Thiru. Vithalbhai Patel assumed
should possess the strictness of Thiru. J.
office as Speaker of the Central Legislative
Sivashanmugam Pillai and the simple approach
Assembly,
of Dr. U. Krishna Rao.
he is reported to have told the
President of the Congress Party: “From today,
I am not a Congress party man. I don’t belong
to any party. I have to keep the scales even
and conduct the proceedings of the
House
from the Speaker’s seat”. But as for you, you
left party work several years ago. If one goes
through the Assembly records when you were
the Speaker, one can easily understand the
47
Tamilarasu
There are no two
opinions that you have both these qualities.
There was a poser: what contributes to the
success of a tight-rope walker? “Concentration”,
“Awareness”,
answers
“Practice” were the different
that were offered. But the trainer
said: “More than all these, remaining neutral is
important”. “A slight tilt to either side will land
June 2016
him on the ground”, he added. The Speaker’s
to speech and please others. Thiru. Pollachi
job too is a difficult tight-rope walk.
V.Jayaraman has such an oratory and a ringing
Hailing from an agriculturist family in a
voice as well.
backward village, you became a post graduate
As for the AIADMK, we are not the ones to
and got elected to this House for the sixth time.
chalk out our actions based on the numbers of
Being affectionate and simple are your natural
the Opposition. I can assure you that we will go
traits.
You gained much experience having
by their ideas, we will evaluate how far they are
acquitted yourself well as a Minister, Deputy
reflecting the views of the people and respond
Speaker and Speaker. You are not new to this
in a way that respects constructive suggestions.
job. Hence, I am confident you will discharge
your duty well in this difficult post. At this
juncture, I wish to say that your efficiency,
capability and experience have elevated you to
this post.
During discussions, you may face emotional
Members. Some will speak with a sense of
humour but some others will show anger. There
may be heated arguments. However, I don’t
have an iota of doubt that you will overlook
party animosties, however much the Members
become emotional. I am sure that taking the
House as a whole, you will remain neutral and
give your verdict impartially.
Beloved
Brother
Thiru.
Pollachi
V.
Jayaraman who has been elected as Deputy
Speaker to assist you, is fully conversant with
the rules and traditions of this House. He is a
post graduate and has a Doctorate. He has been
elected to this House for the fourth time. He has
experience as an MLA, Minister and Deputy
Speaker of this Assembly. He has the honour of
We will follow Saint Thiruvalluvar’s dictum:
“Epporul yaar yaar vaai ketpinum apporul
meiporul kaanpathu arivu” (Wisdom lies in
discerning the truth in whatever that is said).
Many
political
parties
don’t
have
represention in this House. Hence, the ruling
and the opposition parties here have a great
responsibility of functioning in a way as to
protect the interests of the people.
Beloved Brother Thiru. P. Dhanapal, who
is adorning the Speaker’s Chair here and the
Deputy Speaker Thiru. Pollachi V. Jayaraman
have received all-round encomiums. I extend
my hearty congratulations and good wishes to
them.
I resume my seat thanking the people of
Tamil Nadu for making me the Chief Minister
for the sixth time and for the second successive
term and the R.K. Nagar constituency people
for electing me to this Assembly.
Nandri. Vanakkam.
sitting in the Opposition and championing the
cause of the people. The tongue, a sense organ,
is not only for tasting food; it can add flavour
48
Tamilarasu
a
June 2016
D.O.Letter dated 31.05.2016 addressed by Selvi J Jayalalithaa,
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to Shri Narendra Modi,
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
“I
write to you to bring to your direct
personal attention the resumption of the practice
of the Sri Lankan Navy of apprehension and
arrest of innocent fishermen from Tamil Nadu
who peacefully pursue their livelihood in their
traditional fishing waters. In the latest incident,
immediately on completion of the fishing ban
period, 7 Tamil Nadu fishermen along with
their mechanised fishing boat who set out
for fishing from Rameswaram fishing base
of Ramanathapuram District on 30.05.2016,
were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy in
the early hours of 31.05.2016, and taken to
Thalaimannar, Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan Government continues
to infringe upon the traditional rights our
fishermen have historically enjoyed to fish
in the Palk Bay. The Sri Lankan Navy has
escalated the frequency and magnitude of
instances of abduction of our fishermen and
the seizure of their boats and fishing equipment
over the last two years. In a related provocative
move, the Sri Lankan Government is trying to
rebuild St. Anthonys’ Church on the disputed
Katchatheevu Island without obtaining the
49
Tamilarasu
consent and contribution of Tamil Nadu
fishermen.
You are well aware that the position of the
International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL)
itself is a matter sub-judice in the Hon’ble
Supreme Court of India. I had challenged the
constitutional validity of the Indo Sri Lankan
agreements of 1974 and 1976 in my personal
capacity, and subsequently the Government of
Tamil Nadu impleaded itself in this case.
The Sri Lankan strategy of not releasing
the boats and fishing gear of our fishermen is
causing great frustration amongst the fishermen
of Tamil Nadu. Without their livelihood base,
these fishermen are in a state of despondency.
I urge you to take up this issue with the
Sri Lankan Government and ensure the
immediate release of the precariously berthed
boats which continue to suffer great damage.
I request you to take up the matter with the
highest authorities in Sri Lanka and secure the
immediate release of the 7 fishermen and 89
fishing boats, without any delay.
May I request you to kindly direct the
Ministry of External Affairs to take immediate
action in the matter?”
June 2016
Statement of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Selvi J Jayalalithaa on 02.06.2016
(EnglishTranslation)
“My Government is earnest in ensuring the
welfare of minorities. It has been announcing
different welfare measures in their interest. I
had ordered during my earlier regime, on
09.11.2001, bulk issue of rice to mosques in the
holy month of Ramalaan for the preparation
of gruel (‘nonbu kanji’) for distribution to
Muslims observing the fast. As per the order,
permission is accorded to mosques to get their
rice needs in bulk. Muslims have welcomed
this unanimously.
50
Tamilarasu
As in previous years, requests have come to
me from Muslims to provide rice to mosques
in the month of Ramalaan this year also for the
preparation of ‘nonbu kanji’. Acceding to their
request, I have issued orders permitting bulk
issue of rice to mosques.
District Collectors will be suitably
instructed. Mosques will be issued 4,600 tonnes
of raw rice. This will cost the Government
Rs.2.14 crore.
I am happy to state that this will benefit
about 3,000 mosques.”
June 2016
The Government headed by the Hon’ble
Chief Minister had started in the last 5 years
221 Primary Schools, upgraded 112 Primary
Schools into Middle Schools,
Schools into
810 Middle
High Schools and 402 High
Schools into Higher Secondary Schools for
providing quality education.
Besides starting schools to meet the needs,
the Government, in the last 5 years, attended
to infrastructure facilities and constructed new
school buildings, additional class rooms, science
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Puratchi Thalaivi Selvi J Jayalalithaa made
a token distribution of textbooks and other
accessories to 5 students at the Secretariat on
01.06.2016 to mark the launch of free schemes
in this regard for the academic year 2016-2017.
laboratories, drinking water facilities, separate
toilets for boy and girl students, compound
walls and ramps for differently-abled students
at a cost of Rs.4,165.95 crore. Also, in the last
5 years, 76,338 teachers’ posts were sanctioned
and 72,843 teachers were appointed.
These schemes envisage the distribution
of text books to 90 lakh students (1st to 12th
standard), note books to 77 lakh students (1st to
10th standard) and a set of school uniforms to 47
lakh students (1st to 8th standard) in this year.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister had ordered that
these educational tools should be distributed
on the very first day of school opening so that
the students can commence their academic year
with satisfaction.
51
Tamilarasu
June 2016
Many schemes are being implemented in
Tamil Nadu to increase agricultural production
and bring about prosperity to farmers. By way
of implementing our electoral promise, my first
official order on the very day of assumption
of office was to waive the crop loan and mid
and long-term co-operative bank loans of
small and micro farmers as on 31.03.2016. A
review meeting was held on 01.06.2016 at the
Secretariat to consider kuruvai crop cultivation
in the delta Districts in the current year.
I presided over the meeting.
Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture Thiru.R.
Doraikannu, Chief Secretary to Government
Thiru. K. Gnanadesikan IAS, Adviser to
Tamil Nadu Government Tmt. Sheela
Balakrishnan IAS (Retd), Additional Chief
Secretary,
Finance
Department
Thiru.
52
Tamilarasu
Shanmugam IAS, Additional Chief Secretary
PWD Thiru. N.S.Palaniappan IAS, Chairman
of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board Dr. M.
Saikumar IAS, Commissioner, Agriculture
Production
and
Secretary, Agriculture
Department
Dr.
S.Vijayakumar
IAS,
Commissioner,
Agriculture
Department
Dr. M. Rajendran and other higher officials
participated.
The meet discussed in detail the present water
level in the Mettur Reservoir, the quantum of
water to be received from Karnataka State and
taking up of kuruvai cultivation in the present
situation.
Water will be released from Mettur reservoir
for kuruvai crop cultivation on June 12 if the
water level at the dam is at least 90 ft. against
the full level of 120 ft. The level at present is at
June 2016
45.82 ft. that is 15.281 tmc ft. of water. Inflow
into the dam is 102 cft of water. As per the final
orders of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal,
Karnataka should release 10 tmc ft of water to
Tamil Nadu in the month of June. Even if this
10 tmc ft. of water is received from Karnataka,
the level in Mettur will only be 61 ft. With
this level of water, Mettur reservoir cannot be
opened on June 12 for kuruvai cultivation.
4.To increase the kuruvai yield in Cauvery
delta areas, paddy micro-nutrients will be
provided with 100 per cent subsidy to enrich
50,000 acres identified as nutrient deficient.
The subsidy will be Rs.170 per acre. To remove
soil salinity, zinc sulphate will be distributed
for one lakh acres of land with 100 per cent
subsidy. The subsidy will be Rs.400 per acre.
Rs.4.85 crore will be allotted for this.
The six delta Districts that take up kuruvai
cultivation have received sufficient summer
rains. This has improved the ground water
level. Hence, I have issued orders to take steps
to incentivise delta farmers to take up kuruvai
cultivation to a large extent.
1.As in the last 4 years, three-phase electricity
will be provided for farm operations in the delta
Districts in the current year also for 12 hours.
5.Insufficient number of pumpsets has
prevented farmers in the areas of Cauvery
ancillary rivers and Grand Anaicut Canal from
taking up kuruvai cultivation for many years
now. To help farmers in these areas to take up
agricultural operations by utilising south west
monsoon, seeds will be distributed with 100
per cent subsidy for raising short term pulse
varieties in 15,000 acres. The per acre subsidy
will be Rs.1,400 and Rs.2.10 crore will be
allotted for this.
2.Steps will be taken to raise kuruvai crop in
3 lakh acres in the delta region utilising ground
water. Delta farmers will be encouraged to
take up paddy sowing at the appropriate time,
management of crop and mechanised sowing
for increasing the yield through the system of
rice intensification. A hundred per cent subsidy
of Rs.4,000/- per acre will be credited directly
to the bank accounts of farmers who take up
mechanised sowing. Rs.40 crore will be allotted
towards this.
6.Kuruvai cultivation is ruled out in the
Vennar region, the tail-end area of Cauvery
delta as sub-soil water there, is salty. Hence,
farmers will be encouraged to cultivate green
manure in this area in 30,000 acres by utilising
the soil moisture for improving soil fertility.
Seeds for this will be given at 100 per cent
subsidy. Rs.5.70 crore will be allotted towards
this. Through this, not only will the soil fertility
improve but also the samba paddy production
will go up in the Vennar tail-end area.
3.Rs. 2 crore will be allotted towards 100
per cent subsidy for purchase by delta farmers
of 90 mm diameter and 6 metre long HDPE
(high density polyethylene) pipes for optimal
use of ground water. This will help increase the
kuruvai cultivation area.
These programmes announced by me, will
cost the Government Rs.54.65 crore.
As per these orders:
53
Tamilarasu
This Kuruvai package being implemented
by my Government, will facilitate kuruvai
cultivation in a larger area in the delta Districts
by tapping the ground water, higher yield and
improvement in soil fertility.
June 2016
The
last date for the submission of
applications for the ‘Chief Minister’s Computer
Developmemt,
Thamizh
Saalai,
Egmore,
Chennai – 600 008.
Tamil Award’ has been extended to 15.07.2016.
The award has been instituted to encourage
The application form and the rules thereof
development of the best computer Tamil
can be downloaded free from the Department’s
website(www.tamilvalarchithurai.org).
The application is to be sent to Director,
Tamil Development, Directorate of Tamil
software and is distributed through the
Department of Tamil Development. Originally,
the last date for submission of applications was
fixed as 20.01.2016.
Applications
for the grant of Old-Age
Pension to Tamil Scholars for the year 20162017 are invited by the Directorate of Tamil
Development.
Eligibility for this pension scheme is
completion of 58 years of age as on 01.01.2016
and annual income below Rs.36,000/.
Age, income certificates as well as proof
for having rendered Tamil Language service
should accompany the application which
can be got directly from the Department
of Tamil Development or downloaded
from the Department’s web site (www.
tamilvalarchithurai.org). The last date for
54
Tamilarasu
receipt of the application is 30.09.2016. The
application should be sent to the Director,
Tamil Development, Directorate of Tamil
Development, Tamil Development Complex
(First Floor), Tamizh Saalai, Egmore, Chennai
– 600 008. Phone nos. : 044 – 28190412 ; 044
– 28190413.
Selected persons will get a monthly pension
of Rs.2,000/-, a medical allowance of Rs.100/and a free bus pass for life.
June 2016
Statement of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Selvi J Jayalalithaa on 01.06.2016 (English Translation).
“The
oil companies have increased the
price of petrol and diesel to an extent of
Rs.2.57 and Rs.2.35 per litre respectively from
01.06.2016. As usual, they have cited, now
also, the international price of petrol and diesel
and the exchange rate of Indian rupee against
the American dollar for effecting the hike.
On many occasions, I have pointed out that
the price fixation policy adopted by the oil
companies for petrol and diesel is wrong. On
the same wrong premise, the prices have been
hiked now also.
Mostly, oil companies import only the crude
oil, refine it in their plants, produce petrol,
diesel and other products and sell them. Also,
they refine the indigenously produced crude
oil and manufacture petroleum products. In
such a situation, fixing the local price of petrol
and diesel on the basis of the likely cost of
these commodities if they are imported at
international price, will not be a correct method
of fixing their prices.
55
Tamilarasu
The present price raise is also not correct
in the face of the hike of Rs.11.77 effected
by the Central Government from 2014 in the
excise duty of petrol and Rs.13.57 in the price
of diesel. Also, the exchange rate for the Indian
rupee against the American dollar is governed
by various factors in the world economy. An
important factor for the fluctuation in the Indian
rupee rate is the flow of foreign funds into
Indian stock markets and debt markets and
their withdrawals on a short term basis. Hence,
it is not a correct policy to fix the price of petrol
and diesel once in a fortnight on the basis of
the exchange rate of Indian rupee against the
American dollar.
The present increase in the price of petrol
and diesel will push up the transport cost of
goods. Price of essential commodities will go
up. The poor and the middle classes will be
affected. Hence I strongly urge that the hike
announced by the oil companies in the price of
petrol and diesel should be withdrawn”.
June 2016
Statement of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Selvi J Jayalalithaa on 02.06.2016 (English Translation)
“Coconut is grown in
Tamil Nadu in about
4,28,000 hectares. At the national level, the
State comes first in coconut production and
occupies the third place in respect of the extent
of coconut cultivation. The coconut growers
have requested the Government to take steps
for the procurement of copra as its price has
plummeted below Rs.50 a kg. I had promised
in the Election Manifesto released for the just
concluded State Assembly elections that steps
would be taken to procure copra from the farmers
whenever its price slided. As the copra price has
come down now, I convened a review meeting
on 02.06.2016 at the Secretariat to examine the
steps to be taken for the implementation of this
promise.
Hon’ble Co-operation Minister Thiru.Sellur
K. Raju, Hon’ble Minister for Food Thiru.
R. Kamaraj, Chief Secretary to Government
Thiru.K.Gnanadesikan IAS,
Adviser to
56
Tamilarasu
Tamil Nadu Government Tmt. Sheela
Balakrishnan IAS (Retd.), Additional Chief
Secretary, Finance Department Thiru. K.
Shanmugam IAS, Principal Secretary,
Co-operation, Food and Consumer Protection
Department Thiru.Shiv Das Meena IAS,
Commissioner,
Agriculture
Production
and Secretary, Agriculture Department
Dr. S. Vijayakumar IAS, Registrar, Co-operative
Societies Tmt. Jayasree Muralidharan IAS and
other high Government officials participated in
the meeting.
I have directed that all necessary steps be
taken for procurement of copra from farmers so
as to protect their interests. Accordingly:
1. Direct Procurement Centres will
be opened and copra procured through
the co-operative institutions Tamil Nadu
Co-operative Marketing Federation (TANFED),
Agricultural
Producers
Co-operative
June 2016
Marketing Societies (APCMS) and Primary
Agricultural Co-operative Credit Societies
(PACCS) in the copra surplus Districts of
Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Dindigul,
Theni, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri,
Thanjavur, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram,
Vellore, Madurai, Nagapattinam, Namakkal,
Pudukottai, Tiruvarur, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi
and Kanniyakumari.
2. The support price for Milling copra
(‘Aravai kopparai’) will be Rs.59.50 per kg and
for Ball copra (‘Panthu kopparai’) Rs.62.40.
The procurement will be on the basis of this
price structure.
3. Arrangements will be made to raise the
needed working capital of Rs.10 crore for this
procurement.
4. Payment for the procured copra will be
made immediately to the farmers bank accounts
either through ECS (electronic clearning
service) or by Account Payee cheques as per the
farmers preference.
5. The one per cent Market Committee
Cess to be paid by farmers at these Direct
Procurement Centres will be waived.
6. In deference to the National Agriculture
Co-operative Marketing Federation’s (NAFED)
request, the 5 per cent value added tax, to be
paid at the time of sale of the procured copra,
will be totally waived.
7. These Direct Procurement Centres will
start functioning from 15.06.2016 and they will
procure copra for the next six months.
This step of my Government will benefit
coconut farmers”.
Statement of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Selvi J Jayalalithaa on 31.05.2016
(English Translation)
I
was extremely sad and distressed on
hearing the news that Thiru. U. Ramasamy,
Lance Havildar of the 10th Madras Regiment,
belonging to Bodhinayakanpalli village,
Krishnagiri District died while on border
security duty on 19.05.2016 near Jasvanthkar
region, Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh.
57
Tamilarasu
While conveying my deep sense of
condolence and sympathy, I have directed a
grant of Rs. 10 lakh to the bereaved family of
army personnel Thiru. U. Ramasamy who had
died while on duty.
June 2016
D.O.Letter dated 05.06.2016 addressed by Selvi J Jayalalithaa, Hon’ble Chief Minister
of Tamil Nadu to Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
“I understand that the Union Cabinet has
accorded approval to the proposal to extend
Corridor I of Phase I of the Chennai Metro Rail
Project from Washermenpet to Thiruvottiyur
/ Wimco Nagar covering a further 9.51 KMs
at a cost of Rs.3,770 crore. I had requested
an early clearance of this proposal in my two
Memoranda presented to you on
3rd June, 2014 and 7th August, 2015.
I thank you for the approval accorded to
this proposal which would enable Metrorail
services to be provided to the densely populated
neighbourhoods of northern Chennai.
Metropolitan Chennai has been growing
rapidly and traffic volumes have increased
greatly. It is the intention of my Government
to promote public transport of various forms
including metro rail to ensure that the share
of public transportation in Chennai city is
substantially increased.
in Chennai was originally conceived of in
2003. More than 95% of the physical work and
financial expenditure on the Chennai Metro
Rail Project so far, has been completed in the
period since May, 2011. The Metro Rail stretch
currently under operation has proved to be a
convenient and popular public transport mode
for Chennai.
I understand that based on the Union Cabinet’s
approval, Chennai Metro Rail Limited would
be able to commence work immediately.On
behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu and
the people of Chennai, I thank you for having
accorded clearance for the implementation of
the Chennai Metro Project Phase I Extension.
I also thank you for making
allocation of food grains for a
3 months from April to June,
Tamil Nadu in keeping with our
continue such special allocations”.
a special
period of
2016 for
request to
As you are aware, I had inaugurated
the operations of Chennai Metro Rail on
29.06.2015. The establishment of Metro Rail
58
Tamilarasu
June 2016
The
annual joint inspection of school
vehicles for ensuring safety of students has been
carried out on 16,883 vehicles as on 27.05.2016
out of 24,472 such vehicles in the State.
Of these, 14,971 vehicles were found to be
maintained properly; defects were detected
in 1,912 vehicles but in 264 of them defects
were rectified and they were subjected to
re-examination. Inspection of the rest of the
7,589 vehicles and the 1,648 ones which were
yet to rectify the defects that were pointed out,
will be completed before the end of this month.
On 31.05.2016, the Hon’ble Minister for
Transport Thiru. M.R. Vijayabaskar supervised
the joint inspection carried out by the officials of
the Departments of Transport, Revenue, School
Education and Police on 72 school vehicles
belonging to 11 schools in the jurisdiction of
the South East Regional Transport Office at the
Chettinad Vidyashram school complex.
59
Tamilarasu
The inspection pertains to the structural
design of the vehicle from the angle of
student safety, manning of the vehicle by
qualified driver and conductor, fixation of
strong doors and sufficient number of steps
at the doorways at the entry and exit points,
painting the vehicles yellow, availability of
first aid box with appropriate medicines in the
vehicle, ensuring the fixing of speed controller
machine, emergency exit and fire extinguisher
and, facility for safe- keeping of school bags.
Whether the vehicles are maintained in
total compliance with the rules and regulations
mentioned in the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles
(School Vehicles – Regulation and Control)
Special Rules 2012 having valid fitness,
registration and smoke emission certificates, tax
and green tax receipts will also be scrutinised.
June 2016
D.O. letter dated 04.06.2016 addressed by Selvi J Jayalalithaa,
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to Shri Narendra Modi,
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.
“I write to you once again to bring to your
notice yet another incident of apprehension of 4
Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy in the
early hours of 02.06.2016. It has been reported
that 4 Tamil Nadu fishermen along with their
mechanised fishing boat from Kottaipattinam
fishing
base
of
Pudukottai
District
on
01.06.2016, have been apprehended by the Sri
Lankan Navy in the early hours of 02.06.2016
and taken to Kankesanthurai, Sri Lanka.
subsequently impleaded in this case.
I have repeatedly brought to your kind
attention,
the
Sri
Lankan
Government’s
inhumane and cruel strategy of delaying the
release of the boats and fishing gear of our
fishermen which is causing great loss of
livelihood to our fishermen and their families.
I am constrained to point out that despite my
repeated requests, the seized boats and gear
belonging to the fishermen of Tamil Nadu have
The Government of Tamil Nadu reiterates its
not been released by the Sri Lankan authorities
stand that the Government of India should not
so far. I once again request that the fishing boats
treat the International Maritime Boundary Line
and gear of our fishermen should immediately
(IMBL) with Sri Lanka as a settled question
be released and restored to them in a refurbished
as the constitutionality of the 1974 and 1976
condition as long periods of disuse would have
agreements have been challenged on extremely
caused severe damage to them.
valid and legal grounds in the Hon’ble Supreme
Court of India in W.P. (Civil) No.561/2008.
The Government of Tamil Nadu has also been
60
Tamilarasu
My Government has taken many steps
towards diversification of fishing activities
in Palk Bay so as to ensure better and
June 2016
alternative livelihood opportunities to the
I request you to immediately direct the
fishermen by providing subsidy assistance for
concerned officials in the Ministry of External
purchasing deep sea tuna long liners etc. The
Affairs to take urgent action to secure the
comprehensive special package for deep sea
release of 11 fishermen and 90 fishing boats
fishing and infrastructure at a cost of Rs.1,520
including the 4 fishermen and their mechanised
crore and a recurring grant of Rs.10 crore per
fishing boat apprehended on 2.6.2016 without
annum for maintenance dredging which I had
any delay.
requested as part of the Memoranda presented
to you on 03.06.2014 and 07.08.2015 must be
May I request your immediate intervention
in this matter?”
urgently sanctioned.
D.O. Letter dated 27.05.2016 addressed by Selvi
J Jayalalithaa,
Shri Narendra Modi,
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
“I
wish to bring to your kind notice
the pathetic plight of five fishermen from
Tamil Nadu who were arrested and detained by
the Iranian Coast Guard. They were engaged
in fishing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on
contract basis under the sponsorship of a Saudi
national, Thiru. Ali Zhurohi.
their fishing operations they inadvertently
strayed into Iranian waters and were arrested
and detained by the Iranian Coast Guard on
24.04.2016. The above five Indian fishermen
are lodged in Central jail, Dehloran, Iran.
I bring this matter to your notice seeking
your immediate and personal intervention to
These five fishermen from Kanniyakumari instruct the Embassy of India in Tehran and
District of Tamil Nadu ventured for fishing in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to take effective legal
a mechanised fishing boat bearing registration steps to secure the immediate release of these
No.11457 from Qatif fishing base of Saudi poor innocent fishermen from Tamil Nadu”.
Arabia on 23.04.2016. During the course of
61
Tamilarasu
June 2016
Statement of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Selvi J Jayalalithaa
on 13.06.2016 (English Translation)
A good Government is one that reflects
officials receive petitions from the people and
people’s feelings. My Government is doing
just that framing policies to reflect people’s
thoughts, preparing schemes for them and
implementing them. The Legislative Assembly
discusses these policies, schemes and the
way they are being implemented. Though
the members of the Assembly discuss the
Government schemes and the general issues
cropping up in their constituencies, they cannot
discuss in the Assembly, particular grievances
and requests of individuals. Hence, several
structures have been set up to redress the
grievances of individuals.
redress them immediately; and the ‘Amma Call
Centre’ that works round- the- clock to receive
complaints from people over phone. These
two play a great role in redressing people’s
grievances.
A scheme is implemented which facilitating
people to represent their grievances to the
District Collector, Revenue Divisional Officer
and the Tahsildar at their headquarters itself on
Mondays and get them redressed. Likewise, the
District Collector conducts a Public Relations
Camp in a village every month. Though
these practices are in vogue for many years,
my Government has launched many more
pioneering schemes for speedy redressal of
grievances. The ‘Amma Thittam’ under which
62
Tamilarasu
The Chief Minister’s special cell functions
at the Secretariat. People can present their
petitions directly to this cell. Online facility
to present petitions is also there. The Special
Officer in the Cell is monitoring the action
taken on these petitions by the departments
concerned.
To take their grievances easily to me, I
have divised a new method for the people of
Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar constituency who
have elected me to the Legislative Assembly.
Accordingly, the Special Officer in
the
Chief Minister Special Cell will receive
petitions from the people on all Tuesdays at the
Tondiarpet Tahsildar office in the R.K.Nagar
constituency. I wish to state that the petitions
will be brought to my notice and appropriate
action will be taken.
June 2016
D.O.Letter dated 06.06.2016 addressed by Selvi J Jayalalithaa, Hon’ble Chief Minister of
Tamil Nadu to Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
“This
is to bring to your notice yet
another incident in which four fishermen from
Tamil Nadu have been apprehended by the
Sri Lankan Navy and their right to fishing in
their traditional waters infringed upon. This
is the third such incident within a week. It is
reported that 4 fishermen in a mechanised
fishing boat from Rameswaram fishing base in
Ramanathapuram District were apprehended
by the Sri Lankan Navy in the late hours of
04.06.2016 and taken to Kankesanthurai,
Sri Lanka.
situation at sea remains precarious with the
continued offensive acts of the Sri Lankan
Navy.
You would recall that I have written to
you on many occasions, bringing to your
notice the repeated instances of abduction and
apprehension of innocent Indian fishermen
belonging to the coastal Districts of Tamil Nadu
by the Sri Lankan Navy while eking out their
livelihood in their traditional fishing waters.
I have been requesting the Government of India
to mount a strong diplomatic initiative to uphold
the rights and interests of our Indian fishermen
from Tamil Nadu. In spite of my repeated
appeals to ensure the safety and security of our
innocent fishermen and to devise a permanent
solution to this sensitive livelihood issue, the
I request you to urgently direct the Ministry
of External Affairs to use diplomatic channels
to ensure that our fishermen are allowed to
peacefully pursue their livelihood in their
traditional fishing waters. I also request your
direct intervention to secure the immediate
release of the 15 fishermen and 91 fishing boats
in Sri Lankan custody, including the 4 fishermen
and one mechanised fishing boat apprehended
on 04.06.2016.
63
Tamilarasu
The unconstitutional ceding of Katchatheevu
by the agreements of 1974 and 1976 is Central
to this problem. The Sri Lankan strategy of
not releasing the fishing boats, the main source
of livelihood of the poor fishermen, is further
aggravating the situation. At present, there are
90 fishing boats impounded and insecurely
berthed in Sri Lanka and are undergoing severe
deterioration.
May I request immediate action in the
matter?”
June 2016
Statement of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Selvi J Jayalalithaa on 25.05.2016 (English Translation)
“I am extremely happy at the Central
Government’s assent given on 25.05.2016 to
include the Narikuravar, Kuruvikkarar and
Malayalee Gounder castes in Tamil Nadu in
the list of Scheduled Tribes.
On
a request from the Tamil Nadu
Government, the Lokur Committee and the
Parliament Joint Committee recommended,
some years ago, the inclusion of Narikuravar and
Kuruvikkarar castes in the ST list. Following the
consent given by the Registrar General of the
Union Government to this proposal, the then
Tamil Nadu Government headed by me urged
the Central Government through a letter in July
2012 to take necessary steps towards this. The
Central Ministry for Tribal Affairs, replied in
April, 2013 that it was drafting a note on the basis
of the State Government’s recommendation for
getting the Central Government’s approval for
the inclusion of Narikuravar and Kuruvikkarar
castes in the ST list. On a request from the
Central Ministry for Tribal Affairs in July
2013, my Government also explained how the
nomenclature Narikuravar and Kuruvikkarar
should be written in Hindi language.
Through a letter on 26.08.2013, I pointed
out to the then Prime Minister that the poverty
stricken Narikuravas belonged to a nomadic
tribe; they deserved to be included in the
64
Tamilarasu
ST list and that through such an inclusion,
if constitutional protection was given and
welfare measures undertaken for them, they
would get an opportunity to lead a dignified life
on par with the other sections of society. In that
letter, I requested the Hon’ble Prime Minister
to initiate necessary action for a constitutional
amendment towards this. My Government
continued to press for this demand thereafter
also.
The Central Cabinet, at its meeting
on 25.05.2016 gave its approval for the
inclusion of Narikuravar, Kuruvikkarar and
Malayalee Gounder castes in the ST list.
After the Parliament passed the constitutional
amendments for the implementation of its
decision, Narikuravar, Kuruvikkarar and
Malayalee Gounder castes would be included in
the ST list, they would get the benefits out of it
and would get an opportunity to lead a dignified
life. I am overwhelmed that the steps taken by
my Government would bring prosperity in the
lives of Narikuravar and Kuruvikkarar castes.
I thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister heartily
for the Central Government’s approval that
would pave the way for the implementation
of a long standing demand of the State
Government”.
June 2016
At a review meeting convened on the orders
of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, the Hon’ble Minister
for Most Backward, Backward and Minorities
welfare Tmt. S. Valarmathi urged the officials
to fully utilise the Rs.1,034.85 crore allotted
for the department in the current year and get a
good name for the Government.
Presiding over the meeting, held on
08.06.2016,
the Hon’ble Minister
said
the Government had been implementing
constructive welfare measures for the
education, social and economic upliftment of
the Backward, Most Backward, De-notified and
Minority communities and the officials should
work effectively so that the benefits reached the
deserving people in time.
Officials should select appropriate land
for the construction of own buildings for the
hostels housed in rented buildings; ensure the
proper functioning of the hostels by monthly
inspections and pave the way for students to set
records in education by providing them safe,
hygenic accommodation and quality food.
action should be initiated for the distribution
of house sites, sewing machines and iron
boxes for pressing clothes for the backward,
most backward and de-notified community
people and welfare assistance to Narikuravar/
de-notified communities, the Hon’ble Minister
said.
As an unprecedented Rs.100 crore is slated
to be allotted to the Tamil Nadu Backward
Classes Economic Development Corporation
(TABCEDCO) in the current year to help more
beneficiaries to start micro industries, the loan
schemes through TABCEDCO for the backward
and most backward communities should be
expedited, faster than was the case last year,
the Hon’ble Minister advised.
The Minorities Economic Development
Corporation is to be allotted Rs.35 crore in
the current year; district officials should act
in a way as to benefit more number of that
community people out of it, said the Hon’ble
Minister.
Students should get their scholarships
without delay; with one-pointed attention,
65
Tamilarasu
June 2016
D.O.Letter dated 24.05.2016 addressed by Selvi J Jayalalithaa,
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
to Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
“I would like to thank you for the speedy
promulgation of an Ordinance providing for
exemption from the National Eligibility cum
Entrance Test (NEET) for this academic year
(2016-2017) in respect of State Government
seats (whether in a Government medical
college or in a private medical college) at under
graduate level. This has, for the time being, put
at rest the mental agony, stress and anxiety of
lakhs of students and their parents aspiring for
medical admission for the current year in the
State quota.
While the Ordinance would temporarily
address the issue for the current year,
Tamil Nadu’s situation is distinct and different
from other States. As I have pointed out to
you in my earlier letters, the Government
of Tamil Nadu has taken a number of steps,
starting from 2005, towards systematizing the
admission process to medical colleges, and
after careful consideration, later abolished
entrance examinations for professional
undergraduate courses in the State, by enacting
the Tamil Nadu Admission in Professional
Educational Institutions Act, 2006. This Act
was finally given effect to after receiving the
assent of the President under Article 254(2) of
66
Tamilarasu
the Constitution. This Act has been upheld by a
decision of the Division Bench of the Madras
High Court which was affirmed by the Apex
Court.
This measure was taken keeping in view
the interests of students, particularly from the
weaker sections and rural areas, to ensure that a
level playing field is created. The introduction
of NEET would be a direct infringement
on the rights of the State and would cause
grave injustice to the students of Tamil Nadu
who have already been covered by a fair and
transparent admission policy laid down by the
Government of Tamil Nadu, which has been
working well. My Government has taken the
consistent stand that rural students and students
from poorer socio-economic backgrounds will
be unable to compete with urban elite students
in such Common Entrance Examinations,
which are designed to favour the urban
elite. The rural students will be put to great
disadvantage because they lack the resources
to enroll in training institutions and access
materials available to urban students. A large
number of socially and economically backward
meritorious rural students have benefited by
the Government of Tamil Nadu’s decision to
abolish the Common Entrance Examination.
June 2016
For admission to Postgraduate courses, the
Government of Tamil Nadu gives preference
to those who have served in rural areas, with
special weightage for those working in hilly
and tribal areas. The State Government has
also successfully obtained and enforced bonds
from those completing Postgraduate education
in Government Medical Colleges to serve the
State Government for a minimum period, which
has helped us to meet the need for specialist
medical manpower in Government Hospitals.
The introduction of NEET would nullify the
implementation of these policy initiatives and
socio-economic objectives of the State, as the
regulations for a National Test may not have
such enabling provisions. The National Test is
out of tune with the prevailing socio-economic
milieu and administrative requirements of
Tamil Nadu.
In these circumstances, I request that
necessary measures may be taken to ensure that
Tamil Nadu is permitted to continue its existing
fair and transparent system of admission to
medical colleges and dental colleges in the
State and not forced to implement the NEET
even in the future”.
The Hon’ble Minister for Information and PublicityThiru. Kadambur Raju visited and inspected
on 31.05.2016 the huge Kalaivanar Arangam declared open by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of
Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma at Chennai. At this inspection, Thiru. T. Udhayachandran
IAS,Secretary, Tamil Development and Information Department, Thiru. J. Kumaragurubaran IAS,
Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Additional Director (Public Relations)
Thiru. K. Thanappa, Thiru. Raviraj, Superintending Engineer, PWD
and other Department officials were present.
67
Tamilarasu
June 2016
The Delhi Tamil Sangam General Secretary Thiru. N. Kannan and former General Secreatry
Thiru. Mukundan called on the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi
Selvi J Jayalalithaa at the Tamil Nadu House, New Delhi on 14.06.2016 and offered
their good wishes for her sixth term of office.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Selvi J Jayalalithaa presided
over a review meeting on the power position in the State at the Secretariat on 30.05.2016.
Hon’ble Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise Thiru. P. Thangamani, Chief Secretary to
Government Thiru. K. Gnanadesikan IAS, Tamil Nadu Government Adviser Tmt. Sheela Balakrishnan
IAS (Retd.), Finance Department Additional Chief Secretary Thiru K. Shanmugam IAS, PWD and
Energy Department Additional Chief Secretary (i/c) Thiru. N.S. Palaniappan IAS,
Tamil Nadu Electricity Generation and Distribution Corporation Chairman and Managing Director
Dr. M. Saikumar IAS and other high Government officials participated.
68
Tamilarasu
June 2016
At the behest of the Hon’ble Chief Minister
of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, a
review meeting was held on the progress made
in the implementation of the Memoranda
of Understanding signed during the Global
Investors’ Meet, on the textile parks set up
under the integrated textile park scheme, the
feasibility of setting up such parks on a small
scale and the working of the co-operative
spinning mills functioning under the Department
of handlooms and textiles. The meeting was
held at the Secretariat on 15.06.2016 with the
Hon’ble Minister for Handlooms and Textiles
Thiru. O.S. Manian presiding.
The heads of the companies that signed the
MoUs briefed the meeting about the progress
made on implementing the memoranda.
Assuring them all of necessary help from the
Government side, the Hon’ble Minister urged
them to expedite the work from their side and
implement their plans vigorously.
69
Tamilarasu
The Hon’ble Minister asked Department
officials to accelerate the progress of the textile
parks and the setting up of small scale textile
parks.
On the orders of the Hon’ble Chief Minister ,
the Anna, Bharathi, Kanyakumari, Pudukkottai
and Krishnagiri District co-operative spinning
mills have been modernised at a cost of
Rs.147.21
crore.
Also,
taking
into
account the interests of Adi Dravidars,
the
defunct
Ramanathapuram
District
co-operative spinning mill has been
re-opened after modernisation at a cost of
Rs.28.02 crore.
The Hon’ble Minister reviewed the mills’
production, sales and the quality of yarn
produced and advised that quality yarn should
be supplied to the handloom and powerloom
weavers’ co-operative societies. He also stressed
on the proper maintenance of the machines and
enhancing the production capacity.
June 2016
Addressing
officials of the Revenue
Department at a review meeting held on the
direction of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil
Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma on 30.05.2016,
the Hon’ble Minister for Commercial Taxes
serial action in an integrated way against bogus
traders and stringent action against defaulters,
the Hon’ble Minister said. The meeting was
held at the conference hall of the Department at
Greams Road, Chennai.
Thiru. K.C.Veeramani urged them to put in
The financial resource mobilised through
extra effort and improve tax collections in the
commercial taxes is not only an important
financial year 2016 – 2017.
one but is the premier source for execution of
This could be achieved through closer
the State’s various development programmes.
scrutiny of the ‘namoonaas’ and execution of
Compared to the financial year 2014-2015,
the proposals obtained from the Implementation
the tax revenue had registered a growth of
Wing of the department. Both the wings –
2.31 per cent in 2015-2016,
taxation and implementation – should take
figures
70
Tamilarasu
being
the respective
Rs.60,314.61
crore
June 2016
and
of
The Department should work with total
In April in the current
dedication as the revenue collected through it,
financial year (2016-2017), tax receipt growth
plays an important role in the implementation
is 6.41 per cent compared to corresponding
of special schemes designed for the poor and
month in 2015-2016 (the collections being
the marginalised, he said. The Hon’ble Minister
Rs.4,574.89 crore and Rs.4,299.18 crore – an
also stated that 91 per cent of traders filed their
Rs.61,709.58
crore
Rs.1,394.97 crore).
(an
increase
increase of Rs.275.71 crore), he said.
The
Tamil Nadu Energy Development
‘namoonaas’ through e-filing and 87 per cent
of the tax revenue came through e-payment.
showed
these
awards
to
the
Hon’ble
Agency and the Tamil Nadu Electricity
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi
Generation and Distribution Corporation have
Selvi J Jayalalithaa at the Secretariat on
bagged respectively the ‘National Excellence
11.06.2016 and received her blessings.
Awards 2016 for Roof Top Solar Power Projects
in the General Category States Award’ and the
‘National Excellence Awards 2016 for Roof
Top Solar Power Projects in the DISCOM Own Installation Category’.
These awards from the Union Government
Department of New and Renewable Energy
were presented at a function held at New Delhi
on 07.06.2016.
The Hon’ble Minister for Electricity,
Prohibition and Excise Thiru. P. Thangamani
71
Tamilarasu
June 2016
‘Modernise and put in your best work to
take the announcements and programmes of the
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi
Thalaivi Amma to the
people even in the
remotest corners of the State,’ Hon’ble Minister
for Information and Publicity Thiru. Kadambur
Raju has told Department officials.
72
Tamilarasu
Speaking at a consultative meeting of
department officials on 30.05.2016, the Hon’ble
Minister
said, “the Hon’ble Chief Minister
was paying special attention to fulfilling the
aspirations of the people, by keeping the
assurances given to them and implementing the
announcements made. On the very day Puratchi
Thalaivi Amma was sworn in Chief Minister for
June 2016
the sixth time and signed orders implementing
in cinema theatres. All the memorials under
the assurances of waiver of co-operative loans
Department’s control should be maintained in
to small and micro farmers, free supply of 100
the best possible manner and they should be
units of electricity to domestic consumers,
under constant supervision.
increasing the quantum of gold given under the
marriage assistance schemes to 8 grams and
enhancing free supply of power to handloom
weavers and power looms to 200 and 750
units respectively. In a move towards phased
introduction of prohibition in the State, orders
were issued for the closure of 500 TASMAC
retail shops and for reduction of the working
hours of the rest of the shops by two hours.
People had greatly welcomed these actions,
the Hon’ble Minister said and reminded the
officials that it was for them to publicise these
historic and good actions in the best possible
way. Documentaries should be prepared on
such schemes and screened. The Department
officials
should modernise their activities.
Schemes and events of the Government should
reach the people immediately.
With total
dedication and with a sense of duty, they should
work efficiently. News should be supplied in
time to newspapers and TV channels.
Documentaries
on
Government’s
achievements should be popularised in rural
areas through (LED screens). Government
pavilions in exhibitions should not only educate
the people on Government’s various schemes
but also prove beneficial to them.
Tamil Arasu magazine should be attractive
to people and they should profit by it.
Department’s
Public
Relations
The
Officers,
deputed to other Departments should publicise
those Departments’ schemes and actitivities
effectively”, he said.
The activities of the various
of
the
department
were
wings
reviewed.
Thiru. T. Udhayachandran IAS, Secretary,
Tamil
Development
and
Information
Department earlier welcomed the officials.
Thiru. J. Kumaragurubaran IAS, Director,
Information and Public Relations Department
proposed a vote of thanks.
Cordial relations should be maintained with
media personnel.
Steps should be taken to
provide them in time the benefits of the welfare
measures intended for them.
Department officials should monitor whether
Government news reels were regularly screened
73
Tamilarasu
June 2016
A
target of Rs.6,500 crore has been fixed
The review pertained to the welfare schemes
for disbursal of crop loan in the current year
implemented
(2016-2017) and as on 31.05.2016,
Department, particularly for farmers,
31,036
through
the
Co-operative
and
farmers have received the loan to the tune of
the distribution of essential commodities.
Rs.186.81 crore.
All Regional Joint Registrars and Managing
Disclosing this at a review meeting held
on 08.06.2016, a directive from the Hon’ble
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi
Amma, Hon’ble Minister for Co-operation
Directors of District Central Co-operative
Banks participated in the meeting held at the
auditorium of the Tamil Nadu Co-operative
Union.
Thiru. Sellur K. Raju said that in the last 5 years,
The Hon’ble Minister referred to the waiver
an unprecedented Rs.23,214.24 crore had been
ordered by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of the
distributed as crop loan to 50,94,636 farmers. Of
crop loan, medium and long-term co-operative
them, 8,28,080 were Adi Dravidar and Scheduled
loans of small and micro farmers to the tune
Tribe farmers and they benefited to the tune of
of Rs.5,780 crore and the opening of direct
Rs.3,236.22 crore.
procurement centres for copra in 20 Districts
to help coconut farmers,
immediately after assuming
office for the 6th time. In the
last 5 years, he said, 3,879
warehouses with a storage
capacity of 5,10,600 tonnes
74
Tamilarasu
June 2016
were constructed at a cost of Rs.489.63 crore
The Hon’ble Minister urged the officials to
to help farmers to store their grains till they
ensure that rice at no cost and other essential
fetched a fair price for them. Also, the facility
commodities were distributed
to hypothecate their produce in the warehouse
shops immediately, without any hassle and
to 60 to 80 per cent of their market value had
without occasion for any complaints. The PDS
been created. This helped 29,376 farmers to
shops should be opened in time and non-ration
raise loans to the tune of Rs.399.70 crore, he
commodities should not be foisted on card
said.
holders. Any irregularity in this should be dealt
from PDS
with sternly.
Following the outbreak of bird flu at Molgira
village, Bidar District, Karnataka, on the orders
of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, Hon’ble Minister for
Animal Husbandry Thiru.P.Balakrishna Reddy
held a consultative meeting with Department
officials on 27.05.2016 on the steps taken to
prevent the spread of the disease into Tamil
Nadu.
The meeting was briefed about the preventive
steps taken. They included surveillance roundthe-clock through 38 check posts in 10 Districts
bordering neighbouring States, denial of entry
into the State for vehicles from Karnataka that
carry poultry, eggs and poultry feed at the check
post points themselves, entry of all vehicles
into Tamil Nadu only after getting sprayed with
stocks of sprayers and pesticides at the check
posts and keeping 1,200 units of strike force
kept in readiness. Requests for co-operation
have been extended
to allied Departments
of Public Health, Municipal Administration,
Forest,
Rural
Development,
Commercial
Tax and Southern Railway, National Poultry
Integration Committee and Poultry Breeders
Union.
Collectors have been instructed to take
preventive action in co-operation with the
above mentioned organisations. Officials of
the Intelligence Unit on cattle disease are
monitoring bird sanctuaries. Places with large
number of poultry farms are supervised on a
daily basis. A control room has been set up in
the Directorate of Animal Husbandry.
pesticide at the check post, keeping sufficient
75
Tamilarasu
June 2016
Under the Tamil Nadu Energy Policy 2012,
solar photovoltic plants have been set up in
1,85,000 green houses in the last five years,
Hon’ble Minister for Electricity, Prohibition
and Excise Thiru. P. Thangamani said.
Speaking at a meeting convened to review
the activities of the Tamil Nadu Energy
Development Agency on 01.06.2016,
the
minister said the policy envisaged generation
of 3,000 MW of solar power. On the guidance
He said innumerable schemes were being
implemented under the guidance of the
Hon’ble Chief Minister. Particular mention
should be made about the setting up of roof top
solar plants. So far, sanction had been accorded
for setting up these plants in 6,371 dwellings.
Earlier,
Thiru.
Mankat
Ram
Sarma,
Chairman and Managing Director of the Energy
Development Agency explained the schemes
implemented by the Agency.
of Hon’ble Chief Minister Amma, the Agency
had turned Tamil Nadu into a premier State in
the generation of renewable energy.
76
Tamilarasu
June 2016
The
Millennium Development Goal, set
by the United Nations Organisation in respect
of Public Health services has already been
achieved in Tamil Nadu, Hon’ble Minister
for Health and Family Welfare Dr. C. Vijaya
Baskar has said.
Speaking at a consultative meeting of high
officials of the Department, convened on
the orders of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of
Tamil Nadu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma at
the Secretariat on 09.06.2016, the Hon’ble
Minister said the goal of Vision 2023 launched
by Hon’ble Amma was that the State should be
on par with developed countries in public health
service sector. The State was not only a model
State but a pioneering State to the rest of India
in the delivery of health services. Tamil Nadu
was in the forefront in the prevention, control
and treatment of infectious and non-infectious
diseases and in the implementation of pre-natal
77
Tamilarasu
and child welfare schemes and the realisation
of their targets, he said.
Efforts should be accelerated to take the
popular programmes like Amma Health
Insurance Scheme, Sanitary Napkin Scheme,
Amma Baby Care Kit, Amma Health
Programme, Amma Master Health Check-up
Scheme and Amma Maternity Sanjeevi Scheme
to the people.
The Health and Family Welfare Department
has earned the goodwill and credibility of the
people in the last 5 years on account of its
excellent work, the Hon’ble Minister said and
advised officials to keep it up in future too.
The meeting reviewed in detail the various
on-going schemes and their present status.
The precautionary measures to be taken in
connection with the onset of the monsoon were
also discussed.
June 2016
The
stern anti-smuggling measures taken
31.03.2016 for the smuggling of food articles,
on the advice of the Hon’ble Chief Minister
57 were in Tamil Nadu, 7 in Telangana and 4 in
of Tamil Nadu Amma to curb the flight of
Gujarat.
essential commodities from the State has earned
the encomium of the Central Government,
Hon’ble Minister for Food and Civil Supplies
Thiru. R. Kamaraj has stated.
Speaking at the State-level consultative
meeting of District supplies and consumer
Protection Department officials and Civil
Supplies Corporation Regional Managers,
convened at
the behest of the Hon’ble
Chief Minister at Chepauk on 08.06.2016, the
Hon’ble Minister said the Central Government
had sent a circular to Chief Secretaries of State
Governments commending the action of the
Tamil Nadu Government to put down the
smuggling of essential commodities. It had
stated that of the 68 persons detained under the
Preventive Detention Act in the quarter ending
78
Tamilarasu
He said applicants for new family cards to
draw commodities from fair price shops should
get the cards within 60 days; the applicants
should be informed that the printed cards were
ready to be collected by them. He urged the
officials to eliminate bogus cards.
In the current paddy procurement season,
15.97 lakh tonnes of paddy had been procured
through 1,770 direct purchase centres and 38
co-operative societies. An incentive of Rs. 99/crore had been disbursed to farmers.
The Minister exhorted the officials to conduct
surprise inspection on fair price shops and
ensure that the receipt of essential commodities
was as per the allotment order, their distribution
was regular, whether there was sufficient stock
June 2016
on the very same day of receipt of
petition for allotment of raw rice
for mosques in the Districts in this
Ramalaan month for preparation
and distribution of ‘nonbu kanji’.
The
Hon’ble
Chief
Minister
of quality articles and whether the weighments
had directed an allotment of
were proper in the distribution of rice and other
4,600 tones of rice for 3,000 mosques for the
commodities. He also urged the officials to act
preparation of ‘nonbu kanji’.
The
Institute
Entrepreneurship
of Tamil
Nadu
Development
(www.editn.in),
an autonomous society of the Government
of Tamil Nadu, has been functioning out
of the campus in SIDCO Industrial Estate.
Hon’ble Chief Minister had launched New
Entrepreneurs
Enterprise
Development
support. Such Entrepreneurs who have already
running their business require advisory support
on problems faced by them in accounting,
taxation, customer handling, pricing and costing,
efficiency and productivity improvement etc.
In order to assist Entrepreneurs who are
already running businesses an ‘Entrepreneur’s
Scheme (NEEDS) to assist first generation
Clinic’ is
entrepreneurs. Government of Tamil Nadu
Thursday between 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm, in
implements Unemployed Youth Employment
collaboration with the BharathiyaYuvaSakti
Generation Programme (UYEGP) and Prime
Trust (BYST) an unit of Confederation of
Minister Employment Generation Programme
Indian Industry (CII). Three experts in the
(PMEGP) schemes.
areas of Finance, Banking and Management
Entrepreneurs
running
new
businesses
require Mentoring, handholding and advisory
79
Tamilarasu
being organized at EDI, every
will be available to answer your queries. EDI
Entrepreneurs library is also open for reference.
June 2016
Through
Employment Exchange offices
77,271 persons were recruited to Government
departments in the last five years and 1,22,931
more persons, recommended by them to job
camps got placements in the private sector.
This has emerged at a review meeting
held by the Hon’ble Minister for Labour
Welfare Dr.Nilofer Kafeel on 14.06.2016 at
the Directorate of Employment and Training.
The review pertained to data about textbooks,
sketching tools, uniform, laptops and bicycles
provided to inmates taking training under the
Department, implementation/action initiated
on the announcements made by the Government
in the last 5 years and the activities of the
Tamil Nadu Skills Development Corporation.
In the Employment Exchange offices, 82.94
lakh persons have registered themselves for
Government jobs. Of them, roughly 45 lakh
persons would be students as the facility for
online registration was introduced in 2011 for
80
Tamilarasu
10th and 12th standard students at their own
school of study. They will be deemed to be
pursuing their courses of study.
Under the unemployment assistance scheme,
5.82 lakh persons had registered in the last 5
years and Rs.171.14 crore had been provided
to them. In this period, Government allotted
Rs.30.80 crore for construction of 20 own
buildings for District Employment exchange
Offices and for one Regional Joint Director
office. Construction of the buildings was
completed and 15 offices started functioning
from their own buildings.
The Overseas Manpower Corporation
had provided placements for 308 persons in
2015 -2016 alone. From its inception in 1978,
it had provided jobs in 34 countries to 8,777
applicants up to 31.03.2016. For overseas
employment, 20,773 persons have registered
with the Corporation.
June 2016
Foodgrain
production exceeded 100 lakh
tonnes four times in the last 5 years, fetching
Tamil Nadu the Centre’s ‘Krishikarma’ Award
three times, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture
Thiru. R. Doraikannu said at a review meeting
of his Department held on 10.06.2016.
The meeting was convened on the directions
of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Puratchi Thalaivi
Amma.
He said, the Hon’ble Chief Minister was
ushering in the second green revolution in the
State with the motto ‘doubling the production;
tripling the income’. The State was in the
forefront in the production of banana, tapioca,
coconut and loose flowers. The Government
rose garden, created by Hon’ble Amma at
Ooty in 1995 had been adjudged as the best
rose garden in Asia by the Rose Association of
Japan.
Computer and Internet facilities had been
provided under the e-governance plan in all
the extension centres. These facilities should
be fully utilised, e-receipts should be issued to
all farmers, issue of inputs should be conveyed
81
Tamilarasu
to farmers through SMS message and this
should be verified by the respective Assistant
Directors.
There should be transparancy in the execution
of schemes. Through proper advertisements,
awareness should be created about the schemes;
as per their itinerary, Assistant Directors of
agriculture should visit the villages on the
appointed days, provide technical advice; the
list of beneficiaries should be uploaded in the
websites now and then, supervisors should
ensure the veracity of such information and this
should all be adhered to.
The Hon’ble Minister also emphasised the
necessity of distributing quality seeds in time,
follow-up action and monitoring of farmers who
had benefited out of heavily subsidised schemes
such as micro-irrigation and distribution
of agricultural implements and stocking of
sufficient quantity of fertilizer, pesticides and
quality seeds.
The review was held with Joint Directors,
Executive Engineers and Deputy Directors of
the Departments of Agriculture, Agricultural
Engineering, Horticulture and Plantation Crops.
June 2016
On
the orders of the Hon’ble
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Amma, the
activities of the Small Industries Development
Corporation (SIDCO) were reviewed on
01.06.2016 with Hon’ble Minister for Rural
Industries
Thiru. K.T. Rajenthra Bhalaji
presiding.
Subjects covered included SIDCO’s
industrial estates infrastructure, distribution
of raw materials, proposed and created new
industrial estates (2011-2016), financial
management, creation of new industrial estates
and upgradation of industrial estates under
the Micro and Small Enterprises–Cluster
Development Programme, marketing assistance,
status of SIDCO related announcements,
present status of the announcements made by
the Hon’ble Chief Minister under Rule 110 in
the last 5 years, progress achieved in respect
of private industrial estates as decided upon at
the District Collectors Conference 2011-2012,
present condition of private industrial estates,
achievements recorded and new initiatives
taken in the period 2011-2016 and schemes for
2016-2017.
Earlier, the Hon’ble Minister distributed sale
deeds to entrepreneurs of Mukundarayapuram
industrial estate, Vellore District.
Speaking at a meeting held on 30.05.2016
to review the activities of the Department of
Industries and Commerce, the Hon’ble Minister
noted that only 262 of the 314 industrial
co-operative societies were working profitably
82
Tamilarasu
and urged the officials to take steps to turn the
rest of the societies also into profit-making
units. These societies had marketed goods
worth Rs.774.03 crore in 2015-2016.
As for the important societies, the Hon’ble
Minister said, INDCOSERVE’s ‘Ooty tea’
sales should be improved. Likewise, the tea
industrial co-operative factories should upgrade
the quality of their tea, get a higher price and
give a price comparable to the open market
price for the green tea leaves supplied by small
farmers who are their members. Efforts should
be taken to make all the tea factories profitable.
As for the SAGOSERVE, steps should be
taken to get a higher price for sago and tapioca
starch products and expedite the sale of the
present stocks.
The Tamil Nadu Industrial Co-operative
Bank has put in good work in the last 5 years.
Though it has large fixed deposits, its loan
disbursal is low. Steps should be taken to lend
more, particularly to micro, small and medium
Industrial enterprises, the Hon’ble Minister
said.
The Hon’ble
Minister also gave an
overview of the achievements recorded by the
Micro, Small and Medium Industrial sector
(MSME), the various subsidies provided to the
agri-based MSME sector and entrepreneurial
talent promotion through a new scheme –
NEEDS (New Entrepreneur and Enterprise
Development Scheme).
June 2016