TN Assembly Session 2013

Governor K. Rosaiah asked film-makers to show due respect to the sensitivities of the people. He made this observation in his customary address to the Assembly. The statement assumed significance in the backdrop of the  controversy surrounding ‘Vishwaroopam.’ Referring to the ban imposed on the film ‘Dam 999,’ the Governor commended Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for her “firmness,” “resolve and timely intervention” to ban the release of sensitive films that had the potential to disturb peace.

Mr. Rosaiah said under the “sagacious leadership” of Ms. Jayalalithaa, law and order had been well maintained in the State, making it a “haven of peace and tranquillity.” He said that, the government will not spare anybody who tries to whip up communal passions. Land grabbers, anti-social elements and organisations that threaten public order have been severely dealt with.

On Sri Lankan Tamil Issue:

On the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, which found a prominent place in the Governor’s address, Mr. Rosaiah said, that the rehabilitation measures taken up by Sri Lankan government to resettle the displaced Tamil people and assuage their feelings are not proceeding as expected.

Recalling the resolution adopted by the Assembly in June 2011, he urged the Union government to initiate steps by working with other nations for an economic embargo on Sri Lanka till Tamils living in camps were resettled in their own places and allowed to live with dignity, self-respect and equal constitutional rights on a par with the Sinhalese.

New Award:

Stating that the New Year Day of the Tamil almanac, restored by the present government to the first day of Chithirai month, would be celebrated in a grand manner this year too, the Governor said two awards, would be given this year. The name of the awards are:

·        Kambar Virudhu for the best scholar propagating the ideals of Kamba Ramayanam

·        Sollin Selvar Virudhu for the best Tamil literary orator

Vision 2023-II:

The second volume of the Vision 2023, detailing the entire list of projects that will launch the State on its chosen road to become the numero uno in the country would be released soon.

Chennai Peripheral Ring Road:

Preparations are on for undertaking Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 162-km-long Chennai Peripheral Ring Road, connecting Mamallapuram with Ennore.

Considering the importance of road network of high quality in spurring economic growth and equitable development, the State government sanctioned Rs.3,623 crore for the improvement and maintenance of roads this year. Besides, it sanctioned 121 new bridges at a cost of Rs.235 crore with the assistance of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Deep water port:

The government also initiated steps for developing a deep water port at Nagapattinam under public-private-partnership.

Land Record Management System:

Since non-availability of suitable land was a major hurdle in attracting new investments, the State government was considering a comprehensive policy to address the issues related to acquisition of land for industrial purposes. The government was committed to creating an Integrated Land Record Management System by functionally integrating the departments of Revenue Administration, Land Administration, Registration and Survey and Settlement. Land Records Management Centres were being created in 21 taluks of Kancheepuram and Tirunelveli districts under the National Land Records Modernisation programme.

Thermal Power projects:

Tenders would be soon floated for Udangudi and Ennore thermal power projects with a total capacity of 2,640 MW. A global tender had already been floated for the 660-MW Ennore expansion project. The second and third units of Vallur thermal power plant were expected to be commissioned by March and October, while two units of 600 MW each at North Chennai would be started by April and May.

Multi-super specialty hospital;

The decision to convert the new building in the Omandurar Government Estate into a multi-super specialty hospital would strengthen tertiary health care facilities in the State by providing expert treatment for serious ailments to the economically weaker.

To achieve 11% GSDP growth:

            The State government will make all out efforts to achieve the ambitious target of 11% growth of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) during the 12th five year plan. Steps would be taken to ensure faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth. During the 11th five year plan, the state achieved a rate of 8.05% against the target of 9% due to the poor performance in agriculture and industrial sectors.

TN State Skill Development Corporation:

            The Tamil Nadu State Skill Development Society was being reconstituted as the Tamil Nadu State Skill Development Corporation to facilitate the participation of the private sector and trade associations.

SRDH:

            State Government’s decision to create the State Residents Data Hub (SRDH) for integrating Aadhar numbers with the biometry-enabled individual citizen’s data derived from the National Population Registry.

Saraswathi Mahal Library:

            The maintenance amount for Saraswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur is hiked from Rs. 40 lakh to Rs. 75 lakh. AN expert committee would be formed to upgrade the library to international standards. The library also gets funds from Central government for its development and projects.