The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : "Government will not deviate from path of impartiality"

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 14, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

"Government will not deviate from path of impartiality"

Special Correspondent

Journalists took out rallies to hurt me, says Karunanidhi

M. Karunanidhi

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has said his Government would not deviate from the path of impartiality under any circumstances.

Pointing out that he had already issued clarifications and ordered CBI probe into the Madurai Dinakaran office violence, Mr. Karunanidhi said even after this some journalists took out rallies with a view to hurt him.

In the statement here on Sunday, the Chief Minister detailed the DMK Government's welfare schemes for journalists, and said that in 1997 he introduced the financial assistance to the families of working journalists, who died in harness.

He said as per the scheme, Rs. 2 lakh each was being given as ex gratia to the families of editors, sub-editors, reporters and photojournalists who died after putting in at least 20 years of service. The assistance is Rs. 1.5 lakh if the journalist concerned had worked for 15 years, Rs. 1 lakh for 10 years and Rs. 50,000 for those who had served in the media for a minimum of five years. Mr. Karunanidhi also recalled the financial assistance extended to the family members of many well-known journalists, including Savi alias S. Viswanathan. Families of several journalists received the aid under the scheme even this year, he added.

The DMK partymen found involved in the Leelavathi murder in Madurai were promptly arrested and prosecuted during his earlier tenure as Chief Minister. When the Communist Party of India (Marxist) wanted the appointment of a renowned lawyer to conduct the case, it was acceded to by his Government, the Chief Minister said. A party functionary, convicted and sentenced to life in the case, died in Madurai jail a few months ago, he noted.

As for the last week's violent incidents in Madurai, Mr. Karunanidhi said that even after he had called for CBI probe his critics were finding fault with him, though they had remained mute when other Governments had subjected journalists to vengeful attacks.

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