The Hindu : Front Page : First woman Mayor for Madurai

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Oct 29, 2006
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First woman Mayor for Madurai

Staff Reporter

She regularises services of 190 sanitary workers

OFFICIAL ROBE: G. Thenmozhi Gopinathan . — Photo: K. Ganesan

MADURAI: G. Thenmozhi of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) became the first woman Mayor of Madurai Corporation on Saturday. She won the indirect election unopposed.

The Commissioner, D.J. Dinakkaren, administered her the oath of office. A homemaker and mother of three children, Ms. Thenmozhi has played an active role in the self-help group movement for women. Her husband, P. Gopinathan, is an ardent supporter of M.K. Azhagiri, son of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. He was the South Zone chairman in the last council.

Soon after getting elected, Ms. Thenmozhi emerged into the council hall in the ceremonial black robe and the gold chain to assume office. The Commissioner presented to her the silver sceptre.

The new Mayor has promised to improve the civic amenities in the city. She inked her first signature to regularise the services of 190 sanitary workers who are drawing a consolidated pay. They will get time-scale pay with effect from January 1, 2006.

She also ordered the officials to appoint a technical consultant to prepare an estimate at a cost of Rs. 156 crore to renovate all the 11 drainage channels and to provide storm water drainage to all streets. Another order she signed was to appoint a technical consultant for producing manure from solid waste at a cost of Rs. 38 crore.

Later, in the evening, the party's P.M. Mannan, was elected Deputy Mayor. All the nine AIADMK councillors stayed away from the swearing-in ceremony.

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