The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : “New schemes will boost confidence of poor people”

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Saturday, Jun 04, 2011
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

“New schemes will boost confidence of poor people”

Special Correspondent

Vijayakant

CHENNAI: Opposition leader and Desiya Murupokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) president, Vijayakant, on Friday welcomed Governor Surjit Singh Barnala's address to the Assembly saying it reflected the current state of affairs in Tamil Nadu.

In a release, he stated that the Governor's address had no mention about the financial status. May be it would be announced later in the budget. The address reflected reflects today's situation in the State – law and order had deteriorated, economic growth had declined, agriculture sector was in bad shape, there was rise in prices, poverty and dearth of jobs.

Mr. Vijayakant said that the announcement regarding the implementation of new welfare schemes in the Governor's speech, as announced in the election manifesto, would boost the confidence of poor people.

Welcoming the Governor's address, Communist Party of India State secretary D. Pandian said that it gave some hope to people. The announcement regarding nationalisation of private TV cable operations, streamlining the collapsed administration, improving law and order situation and interlinking of rivers had to be welcomed.

The government headed by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had not only announced measures to find immediate solution to pressing problems, but also measures with a long-term vision.

New Secretariat complex

Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary G. Ramakrishnan said that the State government should not stop the construction activities at the New Secretariat complex as it would harm the existing structure. Even as the inquiry committee looks into the irregularities, the government should go ahead with the construction work and come forward to use it as the buildings were being built with public money.

Steps should be taken to issue pattas to landless people; the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme should cover surgery and all other ailments; Samacheer Kalvi should not be postponed; and private schools and colleges must be prevented from charging fees over and above that prescribed by the State government.

Vital issues

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko described the Governor's speech as disappointing as it failed to specify the new government's approach towards vital issues.

The government's decision not to use the new Secretariat was not acceptable. The setting up of an expert committee without any timeframe to review Samacheer Kalvi was mere eyewash.

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