CHENNAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi announced on Tuesday that the Perambalur district would be bifurcated again to form Ariyalur district.

Intervening in the general debate on the 2006-2007 budget, he said the Perambalur district was bifurcated during the 1996-2001 Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) rule to ensure that people belonging to Perambalur and Ariyalur lived in harmony. But the previous All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) Government reversed the decision.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S. Ramadoss had expressed the hope that Ariyalur district would be carved out of Perambalur district again within four days of the DMK coming to power, the Chief Minister recalled. Though the bifurcation did not take place within four days, he made it clear that Ariyalur district would certainly be created again.

PMK leader G.K. Mani thanked Mr. Karunanidhi for conceding the request of Dr. Ramadoss and the people of the area. K.R. Ramasamy (Congress), who raised the issue during the debate, also welcomed the Chief Minister's announcement.

Jayalalithaa's security

Members belonging to the DMK and the AIADMK made claims and counter-claims over the security provided to the former Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa.

P.K. Sekarbabu (AIADMK) alleged that the DMK Government had scaled down security for Ms. Jayalalithaa, who had been provided `Z plus' cover by the Centre because of firm measures taken by her against extremist organisations in the State.

Minister for Electricity Arcot N. Veersamy objected to the AIADMK member's remark that the Chief Minister, who held the Home portfolio, would be held responsible if any harm came to Ms. Jayalalithaa. The Government had provided security to her that was 10 times more than what was offered to Mr. Karunanidhi when he was the Leader of the Opposition.

Self-help groups

The Treasury Benches and the DMK allies disputed Mr. Sekarbabu's claim on the AIADMK's performance with regard to the promotion of women's self-help groups (SHGs).

Mr. Veerasamy said 75 per cent of the financial assistance for the SHGs came from the Centre, and the rest was provided by the State Government.

Disagreeing with Mr. Sekarbabu on disbursement of revolving funds for SHGs in Chennai, Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin said Rs.13.5 crore had been disbursed.

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